NBC News Bows Windows 8 App

App will also be demoed at Democracy Plaza in Rockefeller Plaza in NYC where Windows is a presenting sponsor

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/26/2012 12:34:26 PM

NBC News is launching a new app for Window 8 which will be demoed at Democracy Plaza in Rockefeller Plaza outside of NBC's headquarters in New York City. The app is currently available for free at the Windows Store.

Microsoft's Windows 8 is a presenting sponsor for Democracy Plaza, which will open on Tuesday, Oct. 30, and play a key role in the network's election coverage.

Separately, Breaking News, the startup run by NBC News Digital, has also launched an app for Windows 8 that displays breaking stories from hundreds of news sources.

"Being one of the first news organizations to have an app on the new Windows user interface reflects NBC News' commitment to making our high-quality journalism available in as many places as possible," said Vivian Schiller, senior VP and chief digital officer of NBC News in a statement. "Windows 8 enables users to consume and engage with our content in an intuitive and innovative way."

The Windows 8 app will offer breaking news, video interactive graphics, a wide variety of social media tools, ability to personalize news feeds, the ability to cache news stories and access them offline and a "Decision 2012" section, where uses can explore issues, access polling data and see what people are saying on social media about the candidates.

Visitors to Democracy Plaza will be able to interact with and explore the NBC News app for Windows 8 and the new Windows 8 software on over 30 Microsoft Surface devices stationed around the Plaza.

"We are pleased to be partnering with NBC to help bring quality content  to this year's political process with the  NBC News app and our hands-on experience at Democracy Plaza," noted Kathleen Hall, general manager consumer marketing, Windows.

Democracy Plaza will also feature several interactive exhibits powered by Windows, including replicas of the Oval Office and the White House press briefing room where visitors can have their photos taken and instantly shared online; a video booth where visitors can record and share a mock version of an NBC News report; and caricature artist stations where visitors will be able to get drawings done with the Fresh Paint Windows 8 app of themselves with either President Barack Obama or Governor Mitt Romney.