Keeping updated on news- especially technology news- seems like it should be simple in this day and age- but sometimes we feel we’re often left reading the same news from the same sources over and over again.
Enter “smart” newsreaders- services like Flipboard and News360 that learn from you the reader, analyzing your online activity to recommend articles. One of the newest players here is SNATZ, a new App for the iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets- which we’ll be taking a look at today, as we review the iOS version (Free on the App Store).
SNATZ specifically features tech news- and that’s clear from the Welcome screen, which describes the service as “Tech news discovery made simple”.
Like other smart newsreaders, SNATZ tailors its news based on online activity- so connecting your Twitter or Facebook accounts is encouraged. I chose Facebook, and in a few seconds, was presented with “My SNATZ”. Woohoo!
According to their website, SNATZ is powered by an engine that uses all sorts of complex algorithms to make sure the user is receiving news that’s less popular but more relevant- less news “delivery” and more news discovery.
It’s an interesting take on the usual personalized newsreader service, especially considering that the news is all tech-related, a niche where top news is often reposted and regurgitated by hundreds of publishers within minutes.
Whatever these mysterious algorithms are, the App worked well for me- especially once I also connected my Twitter account. It delivered news items glaringly absent from my feedreader and my social media feeds.
The App is slick and easy to use, sporting the modern, “flat” design so popular since iOS7. For each news article, there are options to share to a variety of social networks, or save for later reading in Pocket or Evernote. You can also “save” or “favorite” the article in your own SNATZ account, which automatically syncs with your other devices as well as the web version- a nice touch I appreciated.
Conclusion
Quick and slick, SNATZ delivers what it promises- technology news I might not have found otherwise, tailored to my social network activity. Its no-nonsense interface makes it especially good for busy people like bloggers and journalists looking for fresh ideas and undiscovered sources, and the built-in sharing functions are well executed. Definitely worth a look if you like to be updated on tech news.