Flipboard updates iOS app, revamps Cover Stories to surface cool content

Flipboard, the wildly successful magazine-format news aggregator, has updated its iPhone and iPad application with a pair of tweaks while announcing a redesign of Cover Stories aimed at making your story highlights resemble newspaper front pages. In addition to some bug fixes and performance improvements, Flipboard 2.2.3 now makes it possible to add bookmarks to your Safari Reading List.

Another minor change: you can now copy an article’s URL in your device’s browser, then open Flipboard for the option to add it to your magazines. You’ll be more interested in the redesign of Cover Stories which Flipboard hopes will surface more relevant content from your subscriptions…

The new-look Cover Stories taps smart algorithms which surface content based on how frequently you visit the section. Now key highlights from your subscriptions are presented in a condensed newspaper-like format.

The stories are organized by source, social network and topic, with story groups neatly indicated at the top of each page. If you want to dive deep into the story, just tap the More link at the bottom of the page.

See some flips by a friend you don’t like? Worry not, you can easily mute anyone.

The algorithms adapt to your reading habits so your Cover Stories get more relevant the more you use the section.

Here’s a quick video walkthrough.

Flipboard says the new design is available on iOS/Android smartphones/tablets, with BlackBerry and Windows Phone versions being under consideration. This is a staggered roll-out so not everyone will get the new Cover Stories right away.

Flipboard 2.2.3 can be downloaded free in the App Store.

Flipboard gets iOS 7 makeover, new text settings, and more in 2.1 update

Flipboard fans will be happy to hear that the app finally got its proper iOS 7 update, bringing the client to version 2.1. The update brings about a ‘fresh, modern look and feel,’ in-line with Apple’s recent firmware release, and several other improvements.

Among them are speed and performance enhancements across all devices, meaning the app should feel noticeably faster on your iPhone and iPad. There’s also a new feature that allows you to change text size, on-screen alerts for new feed items, and more…

Here are the release notes for version 2.1:

This release is all about performance and polish just in time for the new iPad Air and iPad Mini.

- Speed and performance enhancements throughout. Everything is just faster on all devices.
- Fresh, modern iOS 7 look and feel.
- Ability to change text size settings in the app.
- More section tiles added to the first page on iPhone 5 and 5S.
- On screen alert when there are new items in a feed.
- Dozens of bug fixes and detailed updates.

Feedback is always welcome. Please contact support@flipboard.com with any issues or suggestions. Thank you for using Flipboard.

Flipboard’s last major update, version 2.0, came in March of this year and added the ability to create and share custom magazines, user notifications, and more. And last month, the social news reader announced that it had passed the 90 million user mark.

To grab the latest version of Flipboard for iPhone and iPad, click here (free). And if you’re not already following iDB in the app, be sure to check out our quick tutorial on how to do so.