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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.

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...
 

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Plasmanut

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.

April 13 2009 at 1:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
luxlamf

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.

April 12 2009 at 7:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
balls

M's won btw!

April 12 2009 at 4:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JonnyO

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.

April 12 2009 at 4:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stephen

Does anyone know how well streaming works over Edge (for those of us with a 2G)?

April 12 2009 at 12:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Stephen's comment
MAW

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.

April 12 2009 at 1:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TEG

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.

April 12 2009 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bryan

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

April 12 2009 at 12:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TonyRockyHorror

i've had zero problems with the app. works like a charm.

April 11 2009 at 11:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dear Samus

Sigh. I really wish I had an iPhone for all the cool apps.

http://dearsamus.blogspot.com

April 11 2009 at 11:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mcoyle1960

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

April 11 2009 at 11:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim

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.

April 11 2009 at 10:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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