Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch, App Review
MLB At Bat 2009 struck out, but now back in the game with bug fixes
Baseball fans were quite excited to learn that this years MLB.com At Bat 2009 iPhone app [App Store link], selling for $9.99US, would include game day audio. We reviewed the app in March and it received good notices but there was no audio to test at that time. Since baseball season began, the App Store reviews have been filled with comments from angry users saying there are frequent crashes and the audio keeps dropping out. Many wanted their money back. The good news is that yesterday the app was updated to version 1.01 and most reviews are now positive. The crashes have been pretty much fixed, and the audio streaming is working very well. There are some scattered complaints about the game day pages being a bit behind, but generally people are now very pleased.
In my tests of the first version, I had lots of crashes, and indeed, the audio streaming was spotty. The new version has been crash-less so far, and the audio has been smooth and starts up quickly. I've listened via WiFi and 3G with no issues -- although if you are trying to use the app from your local ballpark, as Steve points out, you'll be competing with thousands of other fans for scarce 3G bandwidth and you may not be able to use the audio features (or do other things involving the cell connection, like making and receiving calls).
The app itself is a bargain, since getting audio from any game all season long costs $14.99 via MLB on the web. For 5 bucks less you get it on your phone. If you can live without streaming audio you can get MLB.com At Bat 2009 Lite for free. Now, if my hometown team just wouldn't come in last again this year all would be well. I guess the iPhone can't fix that.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tony said 7:49PM on 4-11-2009
I listened to 2 games on opening day, and both worked perfectly. No crashes or dropouts...I must have been lucky.
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Jim said 8:48PM on 4-11-2009
Haven't tested the audio in the updated version 1.0.1 but the gameday never updates after the initial launch. Also, the box score and summary are as behind as the gameday is. The main scoreboard page is the only page that is current.
If I go out and back in to some of those screens that are behind, sometimes it catches up, but sometimes it doesn't.
So far, no crashes with the update.
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Mike said 9:06PM on 4-11-2009
Which game are you watching? Gameday's updating for me on the Brewers/Cubs and Rays/Orioles games (over Wifi).
In fact, the whole app has been great for me. I listened to the Indians game in my car (3G/Edge) for 30 minutes today without a hiccup.
guerro said 8:54PM on 4-11-2009
I have used it to listen to my favorite team's audio every day since opening day and haven't had a single problem.
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jakebond70 said 9:10PM on 4-11-2009
"Now, if my hometown team just wouldn't come in last again this year all would be well. I guess the iPhone can't fix that."
I'm pretty sure they'll be coming out soon with an app for that too...
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Brian Kaempen said 9:42PM on 4-11-2009
I TRIED to use gameday audio while watching Opening Day at a bar which only had closed captioning on, and it was pathetic. I tried 3G, and that didn't help. I was only 3 miles away from the stadium, but had to just give up on the audio. Also, same about the slow updates and even the crashing. I've had it crash 5 or 6 times now, but that didn't really bug me that much. The slow updates did though. Why does the blah home screen provide updates faster than the one that should be receiving all a user's attention?
-Brian
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Jim said 10:27PM on 4-11-2009
Mike, I was watching the Dodgers at Arizona game. At one point, the gameday page was not updating and fell behind 2 innings. I went back in a little while ago and it was current, but still slow.
I am in it right now again, and since entering the gameday, it has not updated even though the inning is now over and I have seen 4 pitches on TV. Still not functioning at 100%, must still be in spring training mode.
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mcoyle1960 said 11:19PM on 4-11-2009
I was in Mexico last week for opening day. Version 1 worked fine, and 1.01 worked even better.
And to totally make you jealous, imagine me sitting poolside at the hotel, in my reclining chair, looking out at the Caribbean Sea listening to the White Sox beat KC.
Yes, I have the international data plan so it won't cost me $4257.
MIchael
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Dear Samus said 11:37PM on 4-11-2009
Sigh. I really wish I had an iPhone for all the cool apps.
http://dearsamus.blogspot.com
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Tony Bowman said 11:50PM on 4-11-2009
i've had zero problems with the app. works like a charm.
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Bryan said 12:01AM on 4-12-2009
I've had it since opening day and had a few crashes after watching video highlights, but audio has worked fine.
I just wish we didn't have to listen to it live -- a 7:35 start on the west coast means that the game doesn't end until about 1:00 in the morning out here in the east. I'd love to be able to just listen the following day. Bummer.
-Bryan
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Stephen said 12:10AM on 4-12-2009
Does anyone know how well streaming works over Edge (for those of us with a 2G)?
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Michael said 1:54AM on 4-12-2009
It works reasonably well for me, I have an unlocked 2G phone on T-Mobile. I tried using it while driving home from work one day, and it actually worked for most of the drive. There were a few times I had to restart the connection, but, for the most part, it worked.
Well worth the $10, I think.
TEG said 3:10PM on 4-12-2009
Yes is works. I happen to live between two stations that broadcast Mariners' games, but neither has very strong signal where I am, so I've been using this App, and it has been sweet.
Jon said 4:02AM on 4-12-2009
Streaming works well for me on my first-gen iPhone, provided I don't want to listen to the one team I actually want to hear about. Not a single Cubs broadcast from WGN has come through tonight. Milo Hamilton and Bob Eucker are both great baseball men and accomplished announcers, but I want to listen to Pat and Ron.
MLB's service levels are so bad they're making me forget how bad AT&T is.
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balls said 4:10AM on 4-12-2009
M's won btw!
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luxlamf said 7:38PM on 4-12-2009
this is the 1st app I have purchased, I have had the iPhone for 7 months and have dozens of free apps etc... But this one looked promising, even though the MLB Package for the Computer is AWFUL every year and the Video stinks. I am stuck outta town so far this season and this App is my Lifeline to Baseball, the streaming g works great even while driving. Not being able to do other things with the phone and still listen is problematic but thats an Apple issue.
I like it.
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Plasmanut said 1:59PM on 4-13-2009
Yes, if only we could run this audio in the background (sigh), but I'm afraid we'll need a new iPhone with better battery life before Apple allows for multitasking. I also noticed Gameday falling behind during that Dodgers DBacks game. Regardless, this app is very good and offers great value for the money. It's all a matter of perspective. One year ago, I sdid not have an iPhone, and now, with this app, I can have my baseball everywhere. Anxious to use it later today after the update to see if those crash issues are really gone.
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