SmartNews revolutionizes how you consume daily headlines by delivering personalized, bite-sized updates from 3,000+ trusted sources. With AI-driven curation and a clutter-free interface, it’s perfect for readers craving efficiency without sacrificing depth. Over 50 million users trust it to cut through noise—turning fragmented scrolling into meaningful discovery.
Features of SmartNews:
🌟 Hyper-Personalized Feed – Algorithms learn your preferences to surface politics, tech, or niche hobbies.
🌟 Offline Mode – Save articles for commutes or low-service zones.
🌟 Breaking News Alerts—Customize push notifications for urgent global or local events.
🌟 Multilingual Support – Read stories in 15+ languages, ideal for bilingual users.
🌟 Fact-Check Tags – Highlighted icons flag verified claims in polarized topics.
🌟 Podcast Integration – Switch seamlessly from written news to audio briefings.
Advantages of SmartNews:
Zero paywalls – Full access to premium outlets like Bloomberg or Reuters for free.
Cross-device sync—Start reading on mobile and finish on desktop without losing your place.
Neutral sourcing—Balances left/right-leaning outlets to minimize bias.
Bookmark folders – Organize recipes, DIY guides, or travel tips hidden in articles.
Disadvantages of SmartNews:
- Heavy ads in the free version disrupt immersion (removed via $7.99/month subscription).
- Limited long-form investigative journalism compared to NYT or Substack.
- Occasional lag when loading video-rich stories on older devices.
Development Team
Founded in 2012 by Kaisei Hamamoto (ex-Yahoo Japan) and Ken Suzuki (machine learning expert), SmartNews Inc. operates dual HQs in Tokyo and Silicon Valley. Backed by $200M from Princeville Capital and Japan Post, their 300-member team includes Pulitzer-winning editors and NLP specialists refining its recommendation engine.
Competitive Edge of SmartNews:
Flipboard: Visual magazines vs. SmartNews’ text-first efficiency.
Google News: Lacks multilingual filters and offline capabilities.
Apple News+: Paywalled exclusives vs. free access to broader publishers.
Market Performance of SmartNews:
Rated 4.6/5 (App Store) and 4.4/5 (Google Play) with 50M+ downloads. Praised for "saving 1 hour daily" but criticized for repetitive tech/business dominance in feeds.
Version 25.8.20 Update
- Reduced app size by 15% for low-storage devices.
- Added "News Mood" filter (upbeat vs. serious tone toggle).
- Fixed notification delays during peak traffic.
SmartNews turns fleeting scrolling into a ritual—where every click matters.
