NORTHAMPTON — For those reading the Daily Hampshire Gazette on mobile devices, that experience is getting an upgrade.

The Gazette has launched a new version of its app that will allow readers to access either a digital copy of the newspaper, or a live feed of articles from the Gazette’s website. The free app allows the Gazette to send notifications to readers when there is a breaking news event, and is available in Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.

“Our readers on mobile devices are growing,” said Michael Rifanburg, the publisher of the Massachusetts newspapers owned by Newspapers of New England, including the Gazette. “This is a way for us to give them updated content, and an easier way to reach it on their mobile devices.”

The app is an updated version of the app many readers use to view the e-edition of the newspaper. For those users, a simple update will ensure they have access to the new platform.

Tecnavia Press, Inc. — the company the Gazette already uses for its e-edition software — developed the app and pitched it to the Gazette, Rifanburg said. He said that as the paper’s readers increasingly get the news from their smartphones and mobile devices, the company wants to adapt.

“I think it’s just another step for us to address the changing reader habits in the market, and people’s interest in getting information quickly,” Rifanburg said.

The app also will feature ads, Rifanburg said.

The app also will give the newspaper a quicker way to send news to readers, with push notifications to alert them of a new or developing story.

Rifanburg said that the app won’t change the way the company publishes news. He said he hopes it will give readers a better experience. And anyone with problems can call the paper’s customer service number at 413-586-1925.

“We have a pretty good size audience that views our e-edition,” he said. “This will give people an option. They can go in and view the printed paper on their smartphone or they can go in and view live news feeds and see the updated stories as they happen.”

Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.]]>