Headlines - the RSS Reader for Android TV - receives a massive update and we're giving away some promo codes to try it out.

by MystralDesign

We've just published a massive update for Headlines, the RSS reader for Android TV, and Amazon Fire TVs (I hope we don't get in trouble for mentioning FireTV here), and we'd love it if you could give it a try.

We think this update really brings Headlines up to what we wanted for it at initial release. The interface has had a complete redesign, streamlining the interface and feed list, we've also added trending twitter hashtags for your locale, hourly weather updates, the ability to have the list highlight terms, and AMP site view for most sites.

If you'd like to try it you can grab a promo code here . If you do we'd love if you could submit a review on the Play Store, but that is in no way a requirement to get a code.

EDIT 23RD FEBRUARY:

As per feedback from some Redditors we have added DayDream mode, inline images to the feed, and made some improvements to the loading speed. These are included in version 2.1 which is syndicating now.

Store Listing.

Bringing your favourite news to your big screen. Headlines lets you select your favourite sources for the news and displays the top headlines, refreshed every 10 minutes.

Combining the latest news from a variety of sources in 11 different categories with daily live currency rates, hourly weather updates, and current trending twitter hashtags, Headlines is the ultimate news rss reader for your Smart TV.

With in-line article view, now supporting AMP sites where possible for a fast and smooth experience, you can not only get the latest headlines but can also read the full articles on-demand.

Headlines is powered by RSS and Atom feeds straight from the source, and currency rates from the European Central Bank so you can guarantee you will always be up to date.

Designed with simplicity in mind, Headlines blends into the background with clear headlines to read at a glance. Now with added theme support, making sure you can choice a colour theme that suits your style.

SubElement

Thanks guys! I just got an nVidia Shield a few weeks back. Can't wait to try this out!

nd4spdviper

I like the idea but find the execution lacking. It doesn't look right on TV, not a bug but the design... I was expecting something simpler with headlines and attractive design, at least like the defunct Seesmic Look. Feels like an app when it should feel as a service. Would love to have it as a screensaver for headlines or something.

nacho_addict

I'll give it a try.

oroboros74

  • Setting up time is annoying. Rather than having a list to scroll, why not have first select region (Africa/America/Asia/Europe....) and then the city?

  • Celsius, not "celcius"

  • Exchange ticker: should be customizable

  • Hope to see more sources added

  • "Initialising feeds": takes forever. As a matter of fact after 4 minutes, it still shows nothing. Couldn't proceed from there....

EDIT: It took some 10 minutes before I saw content. Hopefully updates are quicker.

More notes:

  • How about being able to resize text?
  • Why no thumbnails? Seems like just a lot of text
  • I appreciate the adblocks
  • Scrolling seems a little weird on my device. When you scroll down, it initially seems to scroll something like 5 lines, but keep it pressed and it slows down to 1.
  • I'd like to see headlines I've read marked as such.

Generally, it's ok. I don't know how I feel about reading the news on my TV, though there may be others that like it. No possibility to go to weather and see forecasts (weird for a news app), and overall it's a little too minimal for my taste (no images, no multimedia content).

groac

thanks, i'm going to try i hope that you don't need to open the app to be alerted of latest news but it look like you need to open the app :( no notifications support

stegabilly

Missed this.

FezVrasta

It would need a lifting to get an UI that fits with Android TV IMHO...

jussaren

Daydream support for live wallpapers

iroQuai

Thanks! Will test and give feedback later on

FoferJ

Missed this. :(

nd4spdviper

I'll check into it when my Nexus updates. So far the set up is a pain, choosing time zones and curriences is not nearly attractive as it should, in fact having to scroll that much makes me want to no use it. Once I have everything set up it looks good, love the ticker on the bottom. You should consider it being more image driven. Also, the borders look cropped. I know it's an overscan issue and very dependent on the device ( android box and TV) but could be easily fixed by limiting the width of you content boxes.