The State Council Information Office on Thursday launched an app and an online briefing hall to provide the latest, most authoritative information about China and to offer better services for reporters from China and abroad.

The SCIO Release and Online Briefing Hall app was activated by Jiang Jian'guo, minister of the State Council Information Office, and three other senior officials on Thursday during a New Year reception in Beijing.

The SCIO Release app will be available in Chinese and English. In addition to offering news conferences organized by the State Council Information Office, central departments, ministries and local governments, the app will provide updated information about developments in China.