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The best of msnbc.com on your Windows 8 desktop

The best of msnbc.com on your Windows 8 desktop

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: msnbc.com

Version: 1.0.0.9

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

msnbc.com

1.0.0.9

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Integrates well with Windows 8's design aesthetic
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation
  • High-quality content reflecting the MSNBC website
  • Smooth performance and reliable stability

Cons

  • No social sharing feature
  • Content formatting can be inconsistent across devices
  • Lacks innovation in utilizing Windows 8 features to their full potential

A Tailored News Experience with msnbc.com for Windows 8

The msnbc.com app provides Windows 8 users with a streamlined and visually appealing way to consume news and content directly from their desktop or tablet. The app presents a modern approach to news browsing, effectively leveraging the capabilities of the Windows 8 interface.

Design and Usability

Upon launching the msnbc.com app, users are greeted with a user interface that closely aligns with the sleek, tile-based design of the Windows 8 Metro UI. The developers have intentionally focused on creating an experience that shines on tablets, yet it does not fall short on desktop systems. The layout is clean and intuitive, allowing for easy navigation through various news sections and articles. Utilizing the operating system's native scrolling and semantic zoom features (including pinch to zoom or Ctrl+scroll with a mouse) enhances the usability, making article browsing quite seamless.

Content and Features

As expected from a news service app, the content takes center stage. msnbc.com for Windows 8 offers a broad array of topics, from breaking news to in-depth analyses, political commentary, and feature stories. Users can expect to find the same quality and diversity of content as seen on the MSNBC website, presented in an easily digestible format for quick consumption.

However, the app does exhibit some room for growth and refinement. One notable exclusion is the lack of a sharing feature, which is quite surprising in an era where social sharing is ingrained in how individuals consume and disseminate news. Furthermore, there are occasional inconsistencies in how content fits on different pages, indicating that optimization for various screen sizes and formats could be improved to enhance the reading experience.

Performance and Stability

The msnbc.com app is generally stable and performant. Transitioning between articles and sections is fluid, with minimal lag or loading issues. This is vital for users who often seek to quickly check the news without the frustration of technical hiccups.

Nevertheless, there is a sentiment that the app, while looking the part, doesn't push the boundaries of what could be achieved on the Windows 8 platform. With a few tweaks, especially in optimizing content display and incorporating social features, the msnbc.com app has the potential to set a higher standard for news consumption apps.

Final Thoughts

Taking into account the application's strong design aesthetics and streamlined news presentation, the msnbc.com app is a commendable offering for Windows 8 users looking for a no-frills news-reading experience. The app is a solid choice for those who want their news delivered in a clear and accessible manner but is somewhat lacking in additional features that could propel it from a good to a great app.

Pros

  • Integrates well with Windows 8's design aesthetic
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation
  • High-quality content reflecting the MSNBC website
  • Smooth performance and reliable stability

Cons

  • No social sharing feature
  • Content formatting can be inconsistent across devices
  • Lacks innovation in utilizing Windows 8 features to their full potential