Hands-on: CNN's Stunning New iPad App [PICS]

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Unlike the iPad apps of most other publications, CNN's app [iTunes link] replicates neither the format of its website nor a newspaper layout. Instead, users are drawn to headlines laid upon enlarged thumbnails to explore different kinds of content -- sports is juxtaposed against tech, which is sandwiched between stories on finance and government policy -- although they also have the option to browse by section and headline in a text-only format as well.

"We've really worked to make this thing feel like it was meant for the iPad," said KC Estenson, SVP and general manager of CNN.com. "It looks unlike any other thing that we've built. We wanted to know what sort of design and user interface would make [the content come] alive on the iPad."

The app is also more social than any of those released by other major media properties. Comments are given prominent placement alongside articles, which are frequently refreshed. Users can also join the conversation directly from the app, and sign in to Facebook and Twitter to share and comment upon stories with their respective networks (e-mail is also, of course, a sharing option). Unfortunately text from the articles is not selectable, so sharing favorite clips or quotes can be a bit laborious.

Users can toggle between U.S. and international news, as well as save articles for later offline viewing. Breaking news alerts will appear as a notifications while the app is closed, which can be turned off in settings.

CNN's app is, in my opinion, the best app from a single news source to date. The combination of access to live streaming video of breaking news and full commenting functionality ensure it will become my personal go-to resource for general world news on the iPad.

In addition to the iPad app, CNN's iPhone app [iTunes link] has also been made free, part of the company's decision to make their apps "available on as many devices as possible," Estenson said. Apps for Android and other platforms are in the works, although no release dates have yet been named. CNN's average monthly mobile audience is up 23% this year to 14.5 million, compared to last year's monthly average of 11.7 million.

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