Sky News launches video news app for the Apple App Store

In what Sky claims is a first among UK-based news broadcasters, as well as keeping up with the latest news, users will also be able to send Sky News their own stories and pictures directly through the application.

A second tool available to anyone using the new application allows users to sign up for breaking news alerts, delivered straight to their iPhone by text.

As well as watching in depth coverage on individual stories, by selecting the 'Video' icon at the bottom of the home page, users can watch a news headlines video, a top showbiz headlines video clip and an up-to-date weather report, delivered by one of Sky News' team of well-known weather presenters.

James Weeks, executive producer, new media for Sky News, said: "We are delighted that the video capabilities of this app for iPhone and iPod touch bring yet another first to Sky News viewers.

"We have spent a long time developing this app to make sure that it delivers first class breaking news in the way that Sky News viewers and web users have come to expect.

"We are also looking forward to receiving news and pictures from iPhone users, further enhancing our reputation for being first for breaking news, wherever you are."

The launch follows on from another successful line iPhone and iPod touch app, the Sky+ Remote Record application.

"The app, which launched on April 5, has to date had more than 260,000 downloads and currently an average of 60% of the total Remote Record requests to Sky+ are being received through the new application.

The app is available for free from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at itunes.com/appstore.