We've made the BLOX Now app even better with new features and functionality, a modern design with more card styles, and a layout created just for tablets. Here are seven ways we've improved the experience for mobile devices that'll have you taking a second look.
1. Recommended content
Give users news curated just for them with behavioral recommendations. This new personalization block and card style—available with TownNews iQ Engage—will show related content based on past actions. Once users log in, they'll start seeing articles, videos, and more recommended just for them.
2. Continue watching videos
Whether it's in the mobile app, on the website, or on the OTT channel, users will be able to pick up right where they left off with this new "continue watching" feature. Use this new personalization block and card style to show videos previously viewed to logged-in users. You can even see a progress indicator showing how much of the video remains.
3. Inline customizable notifications
Now it's even easier for users to sign up to receive push notifications. With this new block, you can place reminders anywhere in the feed. Choose from two styles—horizontal slider or vertical topics—to provide quick, inline channel controls for users.
4. Horizontal rotation for tablets
With this latest redesign, users can view your app in vertical or horizontal orientation on iPads or Android tablets. Best of all, this does not require a separate app for users to download. The adjustments are made automatically.
5. An updated modern design
This crisp, modern look was created for better readability with less text overlaid on pictures and no shadows or gradations. As the default going forward, new apps will be created with this design. Existing apps can easily switch to the new look and gain access to all new features and functionality.
6. New card styles
Mix up your app layout easily with seven new cards and blocks available only with the new flat theme. To choose a card, select the card style in "Edit content block" under the appearance tab in the template customizations.
Mega card: Similar to the Feature card with a 1x1 photo and larger headline.
Extended Details card: Includes a 1x1 photo, larger headline and additional related content.
Headline with Preview card: Shows a 16x9 image preview to the right of the headline.
Square card: Ideal for highlighting promotions. Includes 1x1 photo, one line for headline
Two Column Grid card: Allows for a two-column presentation of content including a 1x1 photo and up to four lines for the headline.
Multimedia card: The "Multimedia" Card is designed to support videos, live streaming and audio in-line. Use for mp3, mp4, or m3u8 media assets.
Horizontal Slider: The horizontal slider is similar to the pinned content region but allows you to place the block anywhere in the topic feed. This allows swiping from side to side if the content is hidden/off-screen.
7. Save across devices
Users can bookmark articles and save them to their list. When they log in, they can see their saved list on any device—website, mobile app, or OTT. Watch videos, read articles, listen to podcasts no matter where you are.
