![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.olemissalumni.com\/aa-admin\/uploads\/ipad.jpg\")
The University of Mississippi has unveiled a new iPad application designed to engage and connect the university community.<\/p>\nThe University of Mississippi has unveiled a new iPad application designed to engage and connect the university community.<\/p>\n
“The popularity of the iPad, including its appeal across so many
\ndemographics, makes it a great vehicle for sharing valuable news and
\ncritical information about the university,” said Kathy Gates, UM chief
\ninformation officer.<\/p>\n
The Official Ole Miss App \u2013 iPad Edition has a number of features,
\nincluding news stories, photo and video galleries, Twitter feeds,
\nannouncements, blogs, events, scores, weather reports and a Rebel Radio
\nfeed. The app takes advantage of features in the newest iPad, such
\nas\u00a0Retina display, that significantly enhance the appearance of the
\napp’s photography.<\/p>\n
The development of the app comes at an opportune time. In a recent
\nmobility survey of students, employees, alumni and others, 40 percent of
\nrespondents said they use an iPad. Of the respondents who did not use
\nan iPad, 32 percent reported that they intended to purchase one in the
\nnext year.<\/p>\n
Mercury Intermedia developed the app for the university. Headquartered
\nin Brentwood, Tenn., Mercury is the world leader for mobile news app
\ndevelopment. The company has designed apps for multiple high-profile
\nclients, including The New York Times, Fox News and USA Today.<\/p>\n
“We believe the Ole Miss app raises the bar in higher education
\ncommunication and marketing,” said Bill Tallent, Mercury’s CEO. “We
\napplaud the university’s leadership for its vision in mobile and its
\ncommitment to effectively being first to market with a world-class
\ntablet application.”<\/p>\n
“Mercury adheres to a philosophy that Apple has followed for years,”
\nsaid Rusty Mitchell, the company’s chief creative officer.\u00a0“Design is
\nnot how something looks, but how it works. We obsess down to the pixel
\nto ensure the apps we create are visually engaging, but our primary goal
\nis to create an enjoyable experience where the interface of the
\napplication disappears.”<\/p>\n
The app provides a unique and personal way for the Ole Miss community to stay in touch, Gates said.<\/p>\n
“I think the app will help people feel more connected with what is
\ngoing on at Ole Miss,” Gates said. “One of my favorite features is the
\nphoto gallery. We have such talented, capable staff photographers.\u00a0The
\napp gives a new way to show off their work. I love looking at photos of
\nstudent activities, performances, sporting events and the campus.<\/p>\n
“Also, the app has very current information provided through Twitter
\nfeeds, including Daily Mississippian updates, messages from Coach
\nFreeze, reminders about lectures and exhibits, and so on.”<\/p>\n
To download the app, go to olemiss.edu\/ipad<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"