Each of the big four pro leagues released a revised mobile application this year: MLB At Bat, NHL GameCenter, NBA Game Time and NFL Mobile. Some introduced dramatic changes at the user level, while others focused on back-end technology upgrades. This week's App Review offers an overview of pricing and new features, and awards a "Best Of" for each product this year.
App's developer:
* MLB At Bat = MLBAM
* NHL GameCenter = NeuLion
* NBA Game Time = NBA Digital/Turner
* NFL Mobile = NFL Media
Cost for full regular-season access to live game broadcasts:
* MLB At Bat = $114.99
* NHL GameCenter = $159
* NBA Game Time = $149
* NFL Mobile = $4.99 per month (Verizon subs only)
Preferred wireless carrier:
* MLB At Bat = N/A
* NHL GameCenter = N/A
* NBA Game Time = Sprint
* NFL Mobile = Verizon
New and notable features:
* MLB At Bat = Instant replay and highlights in live games
* NHL GameCenter = Free in-game highlights, multiple camera angles, social media integration
* NBA Game Time = Team-specific ticketing integration, live audio functionality
* NFL Mobile = NFL Now and NFL Fantasy integration, improved game day features
Rating from iTunes users:
* MLB At Bat = 3 Stars
* NHL GameCenter = 2 Stars
* NBA Game Time = 2.5 Stars
* NFL Mobile = 3 Stars
The award goes to:
* MLB At Bat = Best second-screen experience
* NHL GameCenter = Best VOD offering and social media integration
* NBA Game Time = Best live video features and engagement tactics
* NFL Mobile = Best player and team-specific content
Amie Sheridan (amie.sheridan31@gmail.com) is a freelance writer in Philadelphia.
See Sheridan's previous App Review submissions for THE DAILY:
