Facebook is reportedly working on a new mobile app for sending breaking news alerts direct to smartphones.
Still in early development stages, the app is said to work by asking which publications you’d like to receive notifications from and what your topics of interest are.
When news breaks that you’re interested in you’ll receive a push notification with a link back to the original story.
Only a select number of publications will partner with Facebook on this at first, but that may change if the app proves to be successful.
As Facebook digs its heels deeper into the news space it’s clear the company is serious about becoming more people’s source for news.
Earlier this year Facebook launched Instant Articles, a new way to read and consume news content of all types. With this new mobile app that’s reportedly in the works, it sounds like Facebook will soon be getting important news out to more people with greater immediacy.
There is no word on when the app may be ready to launch, and a Facebook spokesperson has declined comment.
Update: A Facebook spokesperson has reached out to say , “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation.”
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