Google unveils Bulletin, a crowdsourced, hyperlocal news app

Google is working on a brand-new app, Bulletin that lets anyone contribute news about their local community. Currently only in early access in Nashville and Oakland, Bulletin encourages local journalists and everyday folk to capture a video, take a snapshot and build a story around events wherever they happen.

According to Google’s website about the app, Bulletin stories are public and can be accessed through Google search, shared on social networks, or sent in emails and messaging apps. Google confirmed the project to Slate on Friday. "This is very much in the testing phase and aimed at hyperlocal stories and events for people to share, and for local media to take advantage of," a Google spokesperson said.

"People everywhere want to know what is going on in their own backyard at a very local level, ranging from local bookstore readings to high school sporting events to information about local street closures."

Though, we are assuming that there will be some form of moderation before your post goes live, the idea is that news can be shared almost instantly with other members of the community. The concept looks quite similar to Twitter and Facebook's feed that emphasizes on sourcing content from actual community members.