Introducing the CHS app (free!)

You've made eye contact on the bus, given your friend your full attention, had nothing to read in the bathroom... for the last time.

We're happy to announce that with the magic powers of Central District-based start-up Neighborlogs and Capitol Hill-based start-up Purple Robots, the CHS iPhone app is now ready to inform and entertain you. We're still working out a few kinks here and there but give it a spin.

We set out to make the app more than a glorified feed reader. The News Map shows you recent coverage near your current location on the Hill and the nifty Crime and YouReport tabs display more information about what is happening on the streets around you. You can also hop over to the news section and browse the latest posts from CHS, check out the comments on each post and, surprisingly unique for the news app space, add a comment from your phone. There are also Classifieds and Reviews sections (that *should* be working now!) to keep you busy. You can also use the app as a flashlight when you stumble to bed at night!

Give it a try and make sure to check out the YouReport feature and send in a post. It doesn't have to be big news. See something notable on Capitol Hill? Take a picture, add a quick note and send it in.

We hope you like getting your CHS in a whole new way. If you don't have an iPhone, we're working on versions of the app for other platforms as well as creating a strong mobile Web experience. Let us know if you have feedback or suggestions -- and, especially, if you love it.