CNN boasts 'first' 24-hour news streaming for online, mobile

CNN and HLN are making news as the two networks will be the first to offer complete 24-hour streaming coverage online and to mobile devices.

Although access will be available via mobile apps, this goes beyond the existing features in previous editions of the CNN apps for the iPhone and iPad.

Previously, the extent of coverage online and on mobile devices was offered in bits and pieces with articles, select video clips and the occasional live coverage stream for big events.

Now, you don't need a TV in your living room, office or a waiting room at a dentist's office to watch CNN or HLN. Instead, viewers can watch live coverage, just like on the regular cable channels, directly on smartphones and tablets from anywhere they have an Internet connection.

But you will have to pay for something. Anyone interested in accessing these live streams will need to sign in using their log in information for their existing cable, satellite or telecommunications provider subscriptions. (i.e. AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Dish Network, etc.)

However, at least both the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad apps are free. No word on apps for other mobile operating systems (read: Android) just yet.

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