Flipboard is a graphically stunning social media aggregator that organizes your friends' tweets, posts and links into beautiful, magazine-like spreads. But now the basic Flipboard experience isn't just visual: In an update Tuesday evening, Flipboard added sound to the mix, so you can enjoy your favorite podcasts and music through the app as well.
Flipboard now includes programming from NPR and Public Radio International (PRI), as well as integration with Soundcloud, an online music-streaming platform. The app is also becoming more accessible to the visually impaired through iOS' VoiceOver integration.
Flipboard's decision to update the app with audio integration moves it beyond informative eye candy, making it a much more complete news and entertainment experience.
The audio integration is executed in true Flipboard style. You can add your favorite podcasts, netcasts and more by accessing the content guides via the red tab in the upper-right corner of the app. You just click the new Audio section, and from there you can sample featured content -- for example, NPR's Fresh Air or Lifehacker's SoundCloud station -- or add specific audio channels, such as KQED (northern California's public radio station), PRI's The World, or Radiolab. These are then added to Your Flipboard.
When you're listening to music or a podcast, a music note icon appears next to the app's back button. This lets you easily play, pause, or skip tracks while you catch up on the day's news stories. And audio keeps playing when you leave the app, which is convenient in case you need to check email or send a text.
Flipboard, a longtime iPad staple, introduced an iPhone app in December and will be coming to Android in the coming months. The app was a personal favorite of Steve Jobs', and garnered a spot in our Essential App list in the 2011 Wired App Guide.
Along with the audio integration news, Flipboard also released a fourth completely international version of the app for Japanese users. The app is already available in French and Chinese versions, and for those abroad and looking for local content, the app has a customized content guide for nine different countries.
If you're not interested in the app's new audio features, you can keep on Flipboarding as you have been. But if you're a fan of podcasts available on NPR, PRI or SoundCloud, the added functionality should be music to your ears.
