NFL to stream the Super Bowl to iPhone, iPad apps (Updated)
Update: As commenters have pointed out, this is for iPhone users on Verizon ONLY. Pity.
I'm excited about this one, both for what it is, and for the potential of what it could be. The NFL has decided, in a (rare?) move of generosity, to stream the Super Bowl broadcast out to its mobile device apps, including the official NFL app on the iPhone and iPad. The stream on the app will actually have more information, including more camera angles and live stats on it, than the official television broadcast, and of course it'll be available in places that people without a normal television setup might not reach. The NFL has already provided some games for streaming, but this February's Super Bowl (and also the Pro Bowl) will likely be one of the largest potential audiences the apps could yet reach.
I think this is awesome -- I don't have an HD cable set up any more (instead, I use Netflix and Hulu for my television content), and so, at the bare minimum, this gives me a way to watch the game officially. But even more than that, I'll probably be at a friend's house to watch the proceedings anyway, and this means that we'll have second screen access through my iPad to more information, stats, and live updates as the game goes on. That means more engagement for the NFL, not to mention more places to sell more ads, and create more revenue on what's already one of the most profitable broadcasts around.
In short, this is a great move, not only for us the NFL's consumers, but for the network itself. I'll bet that we'll see some very surprising stats after the game in February on just how many people tuned in this way. Given how popular "second screen" content is getting, I think this will do very well.
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Update: As commenters have pointed out, this is for iPhone users on Verizon ONLY. Pity. I'm excited about this one, both for what it...
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read this if You want ot watch super bowl this year online
http://jonathanthorp.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/my-top-3-legal-ways-to-watch-super-bowl-online-this-year/
RoD
Who can watch could have been made much clearer. The official announcement: "The Super Bowl will be streamed online and to phones for the first time, the NFL said Tuesday. NBC's broadcasts of wild card Saturday, the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl will be available on the league's and network's websites and through Verizon's NFL Mobile app."
So it seems that their may be three ways to watch it other than TV. NBC website, nfl website and Verizon devices.
Notice that the announcement says and Verizon devices etc not only verizon devices. The above TUAW article and update seems to add to the confusion.
Nice if you have Verizon. It won't work on AT&T.
December 21 2011 at 10:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhat a great day for football fans!! That is, if you don't already have TV Everywhere for your device!! I've had TV Everywhere through DISH Network, on my Android, for several months now. I love that the NFL is relaxing certain regulations to allow content like this to stream live!! The difference, and the reason I like TV everywhere better than just the "one-game" concept, is that my Sling Technology and TV Everywhere let me take ALL my channels, AND my DVR with me wherever I go. Anyone can get this, as long as you're a DISH Customer or employee like me. All I had to do was get the Sling Adapter and free DISH Remote Access app, and voila... Full control of my satellite system from anywhere I get 3G or WiFi!!! This means that, while many of you will be going to the one website, for the one game, I can just turn on my phone, Dish remote Access app, and head to NBC to catch it live!! It's a great move by the NFL, and an even better move if you get a hold of this great new technology from DISH Network!!
December 21 2011 at 9:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou don't need an HD cable setup to watch the Super Bowl, it's free over the air on NBC.
Still a nice option for antenna challenged folks.
That's the way to go :)
If Apple wants to re-invent the TV-Set it's just like SJ said: The mai work isn't in the hardware or the software, it's in the RIGHTS.
Sure, u can watch/stream TV shows and movies via iTunes, Hulu etc. already. But the main seller in the US is sports. I was really delighted when I saw NBA and MLB showing up on AppleTV. If the other leagues and some College sports hop on too, THEN we are ready to talk about revolutionizing television. Google, Samsung, HTC etc. might be able to build nice hardware. But Apple has proven to be good at negotiating with rights owners.
Anyway, if this step by the NFL is any indicator, that more and more sports rights owners are embracing new devices and new distribution models, then we might see some real shifts in the "old" world of TV stations / cable companies and subscription plans..... here's hoping!
It's worth mentioning that the NFL Mobile app is available to Verizon customers only. That's a real bummer, this sounded awesome.
December 21 2011 at 3:18 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNo mention that you need to be a Verizon customer to watch on the Apple devices.
December 20 2011 at 10:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRead the app store reviews ... You can only use this "free" app if you are a Verizon wireless customer, and it isn't free either - they charge extra monthly fees to use. In addition if you are a Verizon customer with your cell phone - you still are unable to use on your wifi only iPad. I look to TUAW for good reviews of useful apps, but this one is neither. A very poor sowing on the NFL's part.
December 20 2011 at 10:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIts not an act of generosity. They will be delivering advertisements and testing for the delivery of broadcast over the top in the future.
December 20 2011 at 9:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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