University News

Users of Apple's latest-generation iPhone or iTouch devices can get the latest news from Western Illinois University via the WIU News app from University Relations. (Left: Photo of iTouch showing WIU News app icon; Right: Photo of iTouch showing splash screen for WIU News app)
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News from Western Illinois University Relations via the new WIU News app for users of Apple's latest-generation iTouch or iPhone devices.
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Get Latest News from WIU via Your iPhone or iTouch with WIU News App

January 12, 2010

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MACOMB, IL -- Users of the Apple iPhone or iTouch can now get news from Western Illinois University via University Relations' new "WIU News" app (application) available through Apple's App Store and iTunes. Developed through AppMakr (from the company PointAbout, Inc.), the WIU News app provides a quick way for iPhone or iTouch users to get the latest news from Western.

"Last week, 'Mashable: The Social Media Guide' posted a brief article about AppMakr, a new application-development service offered by a company called PointAbout," explained Teresa Koltzenburg, public information specialist and new media coordinator in University Relations. "I utilized University Relations' existing RSS feed, branded it with WIU artwork and the new WIU News App was created. This simple process enabled us to develop an app for iTouch or iPhone users in a matter of a few minutes."

The PointAbout offer was limited to the development of a native iPhone (or iTouch) application, so the WIU News app only works with the latest generation iPhone and iTouch devices made by Apple.

According to Darcie Shinberger, director of University Relations, while the app does have a limited audience (users of newer iPhone and iTouch devices), the WIU News app provides University Relations yet another way to provide information about Western via mobile devices.

"In our increasingly mobile society, it's essential that we stay on top of the latest trends so we can provide the most up-to-date news to our students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as to the general public," Shinberger added.

To install the WIU News application, search for "WIU News" in the Apple's App Store via your iPhone or iTouch device or through iTunes. To learn more about AppMakr, see www.appmakr.com.

To get the latest news from Western via Facebook, see www.facebook.com/wiu.edu; through Twitter at www.twitter.com/WIU_UR; and from University Relations online at www.wiu.edu/unews.

For more information, contact Koltzenburg at (309) 298-1993 or TE-Koltzenburg@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing