Harry Potter iPhone app

There are many Harry Potter apps, but Warner Bros. has just launched the first official Harry Potter app available in the US Apple store. VentureBeat reports.

Harry Potter Spells is a magic game that lets players cast spells at their opponents by using their phones as wands. With more than 100,000 apps on the iPhone, it’s getting harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. One way to do so is to launch an app with a familiar brand name. But only the highest-quality branded apps are standing out these days.

The game has 14 spells for wizards-in training. Players can conjure their magic alone or duel each other by casting spells from one device. See the trailer here.

Universal Announces Blu-ray iPhone App

On the heels of a similar announcement by Fox, Universal has announced two new iPhone and social network applications that will be featured on upcoming Blu-ray releases. Blue-Ray.com reports.

Pocket Blu, which is available as a free download on iTunes, gives viewers access to a remote control, keyboard, Video Timeline, and exclusive Mobile-To-Go content right on their iPhone.

Using the viewer's iPhone and WiFi network, the app connects to any networked Blu-ray Disc player to deliver exclusive bonus content. Similar to other Blu-ray iPhone apps, they can also be used on an iPod Touch.

Social Blu, the second application announced today, allows users to integrate Twitter and Facebook into their Blu-ray experience. Viewer's will be able to update their profile status, rate movies, and send messages to friends all through their Blu-ray Disc players.

The first title to use Pocket Blu will be the upcoming Blu-ray release of 'Bruno', which is currently scheduled to hit store shelves on November 17th.

Sky TV launches iPhone app

Sky has launched its mobile television app for UK viewers, allowing them to stream live sport and news channels to their iPhone. PC Pro reports.

The Sky Mobile TV app offers access to Sky Sports channels, ESPN and Sky News over a Wi-Fi connection. The application is free to download, though it will require a £6 ($9) per month subscription.

Predictably, no link to the app in iTunes from Switzerland.

Free online TV streaming on UK iPhones

iPhone users can now watch live programs on the move through an online TV streaming service, reports The Daily Mail.

For the last year TVCatchup.com has allowed UK-based computer users to watch over 30 Freeview channels over the internet.

Now to mark its first anniversary the founders have created a Beta application for iPhone users.

iPhone and iPod Touch users simply log on to the TVCatchup website with their device to watch their channel of choice.

There are currently 11 channels available for testing purposes, including the five main channels, BBC Three and the Channel 4 spin-offs such as E4 and Film4.

The streams are optimised to work on both 3G and WiFi, although WiFi is more stable.

Read full article

‘Where the Wild Things Are’ iPhone App

Warner Bros is offering a free application for the iPhone to promote the October 16 release of Where the Wild Things Are. You can go to the official website for more about it, or grab it from the App Store (if you live in the US) on your Apple device. News.in tried it out and gives it a review.

The features include scrolling through character posters of the wild things, beautiful stills from the Spike Jonze film, and viewing the two promotional trailers. You can also listen to select songs from the soundtrack by Karen O. from the Yeah, Yeah Yeahs, which will take you right to iTunes to purchase them.

In the app you can also interact with Carol, a wild thing voiced by James Gandolfini in the movie. You can provoke him with pokes to the belly, throw mud at him, or tip the device to throw him off balance. Beware, he’ll run up and smash your screen. Try turning out the lights to make him go to sleep, pushing the button to make him howl at the moon, or playing a song from your playlists to make him dance. Finally you can offer him your contacts or photos for Carol to smash or chomp away on.

BlackBerry TiVo App Lets Users Remotely Schedule Shows to Record

The free TiVo app for Blackberry and smartphones features a program guide, which users can browse by category, most popular, or even daily picks. The guide also offers plenty of details about each show, including a description and air time. Of course, the real benefit of the app is the ability to remotely program your TiVo to record your favorite shows.

[via Switched]

Play Dexter iPhone game and win a walk-on-role in Season 5

Dexter The Game for iPhone is now available on iTunes, in anticipation of Dexter Season Four, premiering September 27.

In their own words: Dexter the Game is the killer 3D iPhone game based on Showtime's original TV series featuring Dexter Morgan, America's favorite serial killer.

In the game, the player helps Dexter choose his next victims while always protecting his identity, analyzes crime scenes, uncovers evidence and uses stealth tactics to stalk hisprey. The outcome of every choice and action revolves around the Code of Harry: only kill the guilty, maintain the mask, and above all, don’t get caught.

By playing the game, you could win a walk-on role in Season 5, be invited to lunch with the show's writer or receive one of many instant prizes including DVDs and t-shirts. To get a code, purchase Dexter the Game from the iTunes App Store. See www.dexterthegame.com for official rules.

Live TV on the iPhone

Livestation has launched a streaming video solution that allows any broadcaster to deliver live TV to the iPhone.

ReadRightWeb reports:

Livestation quietly launched their first mobile application streaming live content over a month ago with the release of BBC World News, which debuted in June 2009. This iPhone application delivers live TV news to viewers in 16 European countries but is sadly not available in the US as of yet….

In the U.S., Livestation also began offering Al Jazeera English Live last month, a live TV application built using the same technology. As with BBC News, the live TV channel is available over both Wi-Fi and 3G. Around the corner, NASA may also be launching a live TV streaming application using Livestation’s technology.

[via Cyberjournalist]

Universal Blu-ray Discs to be Tied to iPhone Apps

Universal Studios signed on to the BD-Live feature of Blu-ray with a promise to develop complementary apps for its titles which will be bundled with the movies themselves. PC Magazine reports.

On Jul 28, Universal will launch "Fast & Furious" on Blu-ray for $39.99. The disc will allow owners of an iPhone or iPod touch to directly control certain aspects of the content, Universal said Monday.

BD-Live is an enhancement to the Blu-ray technology that alloows content providers to add "live" applications and data to the fixed content of the movies.

... Future films will allow users to download content directly into their iPhone and iPod touch to take it with them on the go, and use the devices as controllers.

Read full article.

Magic Wars app for Harry Potter Fans

A new iPhone app, Magic Wars, lets Harry Potter fans practice their magic wand skills. The latest Harry Potter movie, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," was released this week.

The game, launched three weeks ago by pocketfungames, preps players for wizard battles by having them practice motions with an iPhone while reciting an incantation. When the app boots up, wizards and witches are asked to flick their wrist to find a matching wand and are asked a series of questions to determine the house in which they will reside. There’s also an option to give yourself a wizard name and upload a photo before you begin studying spells and proposing duels with other players.

[via The Christian Science Monitor]

Warner Bros. bites into iPhone apps

Warner Bros. Digital Entertainment wants a bite of Apple's App business. The studio is positioning itself as a major distributor of applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Variety reports.

Warner Digital Distribution director of worldwide marketing Stephanie Bohn says apps represent a profitable and fast-growing business, noting that Morgan Stanley is predicting it could reach $1 billion in sales in 2009.

...Though the studio has released several higher-profile apps tied to "Terminator Salvation" and other major film and DVD releases, it's also working with developers on a much broader range of game, comic book and entertainment apps that aren't tied to Warner properties.

Warner has developed and released about 15 apps so far and is planning to have a total of 40 out by the end of the year. Some will come from its theatrical unit and Warner Interactive, others by outside developers.

Warner is not alone among studios developing apps around film properties.

Paramount just released "Star Trek" comic book apps with iVerse, in addition to its "Top Gun" and other movie-related game apps.

Sony has an "Angels and Demons" game app called Illuminati, and Disney put out a Fairies game app last year tied to its DVD premiere release, "Tinker Bell."

Read full article.

CBS: Making Money From Mobile Apps

MocoNews @ EconSM:

CBSi has an app for TV.com, not to mention music apps for Last.fm and third-parties like AOL—but are users flocking to them? Are advertisers?

MocoNews' Staci D. Kramer got the scoop from Zander Lurie, CBSI’s CFO, about whether its mobile app business is booming.

Are you generating a profit on mobile? “We are, but it’s not as ad-driven as our online business. We have carrier relationships that pay well, and a lead-generation deal with iTunes.”

What are the user stats?: “We’ve had over 1 million downloads of our TV.com app, and we’re seeing 5 to 10 times the level of engagement (time spent) from the app than on the site.”

SlingPlayer Mobile app

Sling Player Mobile lets you sling your TV shows, DVR recordings or other at-home media to your iPhone and iPod Touch anywhere you want as long as you're using a Wi-Fi connection and are willing to shell out $29.99.

The LA Time has tested all it's features, video, customization and legacy boxes and reviews it extensively, including what fizzles.

2009 MTV Movie Awards app for iPhone

2009 MTV Movie Awards is a free app for iPhone launched to promote and follow The MTV Movie Awards to be held Sunday, May 31st.

In their own words: This app is stocked daily with tons of fresh video, blogs, Twitter feeds and more! Check out digital shorts from host Andy Samberg, sneak peek and behind the scenes video leading up to the awards as youve never seen before and all the red carpet, backstage and post-show footage from the night of the awards all beamed directly to your iPhone.

[via Moco News]

iRentMovie - Netflix Manager for iPhone

iRentMovie Lite (free) and iRentMovie ($2.99) allow you to manage your Netflix account on the go and offers many features available at the official Netflix website:

For the Lite version:

-- Add, delete and reorder titles in your disc and instant queues.
-- Search for titles and add them to your queue.
-- View rental history, suggestions and titles at home.
-- View top charts such as Top 100, New Releases...

The Pay version has additional features such as:

-- Search for DVD, Blu-ray or Instant only titles.
-- Search for titles in a specific year range.

24 Special Ops app

24 Special Ops is a gaming app based on the award winning TV series.

You can:

-- Play as Jack Bauer through an original story in '24'.

-- Interact and co-operate with '24' regulars like Chloe O'Brian and Bill Buchanan.

-- Battle dangerous foes and take down Helicopters, Military Vehicles and Ships in fiery explosions and more.

Comes in a light and free version and a paid version for the real deal at $ 4.99 for iPhone only (not available for iPod).

Watch trailer on ignvideo.com.

Land of the Lost: Crystal Adventure movie tie-in ap

A remake of Land of the Lost, a 1974 TV series about a family trapped in an alien world inhabited by dinosaurs, is coming to theaters near you this summer and Land of the Lost: Crystal Adventure is a related puzzle-driven iPhone app released by Universal Studios.

Tying in apps with movie release is becoming more and more common.

How do you play? You must help Rick Marshall (played by Will Ferrell) overcome a challenging array of obstacles -- ie. pushing blocks, building bridges, and navigating around hurdles -- in order to make your way through the 25 Sleestak temple levels and reach the large crystal.

Movie trailers on your iPhone

Great, great great. The Trailers International app is available to non US viewers and offers trailers of some of the latest or not yet released movies. Click on the flag of your country to see relevant movie listing, subbed, dubbed or in your language. For each movie you can watch a trailer (sometimes 2 trailers), click on "S" to read a synopsis, or click on the link to Imdb or recommend the clip by e-mail to a friend.

For Swiss-Romand viewers like myself, to avoid the movies dubbed in German, - because in this part of Switzerland we speak French - just click on the UK flag (for all movies in English) or French flag (for all movies translated into French). Often websites use German as a default language for Switzerland, as Swiss Germans are the majority.

You can even download the trailer if you have an iPod touch. This feature doesn't seem to be available on my iPhone. UPDATE: Yes it does, simply click on the arrow pointing downwards. Watch video demo here.

There is an app for US viewers, Trailers for $1.99 or a free version, Trailers Lite.

The apps were developed by xTEO software.

[via AppCraver]

The Today Show gets an app

Americas 1 morning program now has an app.

Today delivers the information you need to make sense of the latest trends.

Connect with Matt, Meredith, Ann, and Al to bring you the days top stories and weather, interviews with newsmakers from around the world, and a dose of fun.

Hulu iPhone App Coming Soon

Silicon Alley Insider is reporting that a dedicated Hulu application is on its way to the iPhone and should be here in just a few months.

It won't be the first Web video app for the iPhone -- CBS's TV.com app is on the market, as are Joost, i.TV and several others.

With the upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 software update, which lets developers bake streaming media into their applications. For Hulu, this means that the advertising could be stuck into the mobile stream and that users would be able to watch videos without leaving the application.

[via cnet.com]

WIT Unveils Live TV App for the iPhone

WIT Software has unveiled its ‘Live TV’ application for the iPhone, enabling Vodafone Portugal iPhone 3G users to watch live TV. Mobile Marketing reports.

According to WIT, this is one of the first live TV applications for the iPhone to be launched commercially in a mobile operator. It was developed by WIT, in close cooperation with Vodafone Portugal.

What makes the application unique, according to WIT Software CEO Luis Silva is: “The use of mobile standards, commonly used by mobile operators, and the ability to use 3G. With this application, mobile operators do not have to change anything on their network and subscribers can use the service anywhere in the country, as long as they have 3G coverage”.

DirecTV reaches 100,000 downloads in first week

According to engadget:mobile, DirectTV app for iPhone tallied 100,000 downloads in just one week since it's launch.

App review: - DirecTV lets you control your DVR

Sony launches Jeopardy app

Put your knowledge to the test with Sony Pictures' new Jeopardy app for iPhone.

In their own words: "Pick a category and dollar amount and answer clues written by Jeopardy writers. Buzz in quickly and answer correctly to watch your earnings rise, then hum along with the classic Final Jeopardy theme music while you respond to the final clue.

-- Use the touchscreen to write your name on the podium, just like a real contestant on Jeopardy.

-- Play in Landscape mode so that you see the contestants and the categories on the same screen

-- Includes real sounds from the game, including the classic Final Jeopardy Music."

[via TouchArcade]

DirecTV lets you control your DVR

The DirecTV app for iPhone basically lets you control your DVR from anywhere.

Full features:

-- You can search for any television show up to 14 days in advance.

-- Browse programs by channel or date time.

-- Access program information instantly, including description, length and rating.

-- Set to record shows by a single episode or entire series.

-- Program Pay Per View movies to be recorded and ready to watch any time.

-- Record to any DIRECTV DVR in your home.

[via ZDNet ]

CBS Uses Apple App Store To Promote New Show

CBS mobile will launch a free Harper’s Island application on the App Store to promote its new show, Harpers Island. MocoNews.net reports.

The show is a murder mystery where not even the cast know what is going to happen the following week, and the app is designed to get people to interact with the show.

The pre-launch version of the application provides iPhone and iPod touch users with details on the terrifying history of Harper’s Island, as well as preview clips from the show.

The show premieres in two weeks, at which point the app will get updated so viewers can participate in the mystery.

boxee iPhone remote app available on the App Store

The Boxee iPhone app was finally approved yesterday and though the wait was long, what was delivered is something special: a remote worthy of being paired with Boxee and the iPhone.

Tips:

-- the boxee remote app has two modes: Gesture and Buttons
-- In the Gesture mode you need to hold down your thumb and move it around in order to navigate.
-- clicking on the boxee logo acts as Select/Play/Pause
-- dragging the boxee logo to the edges of the screen will act as a continuous up/down/left/right
-- clicking in an input field will open up the iPhone Qwerty keyboard and will enable you to easily enter text
-- the app works over WiFi, so make sure the WiFi on your iPhone is turned on

Full app review in Wired.

American Idol iPhone app

The first official “American Idol” iPhone application has launched just in time to watch the final 13 contestants in season 8 duke it out over the next several weeks. Moco News reports.

Available today for both the iPod Touch and the iPhone, the $1.99 application provides bios, pictures, news and exclusive behind-the-scenes videos of the contestants. Another feature, called “My Rankings” allows users to predict, customize, and track who stays and who gets voted off. A link to iTunes also allows users to download music from recent performances.

The one major thing missing—which die-hard fans will likely notice—is that it does not allow people to cast votes directly from the app. That still requires a separate text message.

The application has a lot of original content, including up to 78 videos that are being shot just for the phone.

Emmy screeners go to iPod, iPhone

After leading the charge to put Emmy screeners online, Showtime will show off its wares to TV Academy voters this year on both the iPhone and the iPodTouch. Variety reports.

Emmy voters with the Apple mobile devices will be able to screen full episodes of Showtime series including "Dexter," "Weeds" and "United States of Tara" simply by entering a passcode. The pay cabler has partnered with third-party mobile application developer Transpera to enable the service.

... Showtime has set trends in the past with its Emmy campaigns; the net was the first to send out an entire season of episodes to TV Academy members with "Huff" in 2005. And last year's campaign repped the first time any network posted via the Internet an entire season's worth of episodes for Emmy voters.

Watchmen movie iPhone app released by Warner Bros

Hollywood is wising up to the iPhone as part of their marketing mix to promote new movies as witnessed by Warner Bros's launch of a Watchmen app.

Content includes trailers, behind the scenes video journals that chronicle the making of the film, motion comics, downloads and more.

TV.com Launches iphone Application

TV.com, CBS Interactive's recently re-launched video site, has launched an application for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch devices. Broadcasting & Cable reports.

The free app will feature full episodes, clips, news and information on the shows featured on the site.

The launch is significant because the streaming of free, full length episodes has the potential to eat into sales on Apple's own iTunes store, which sells many of the same programs for $1.99 a piece.

Among the programs available through the app are CSI, CSI: Miami, NCIS, The Young and The Restless and classics such as MacGyver, Beverly Hills 90210 and Star Trek.

Not available to Swiss viewers though.

Rentrak lauches 'FilmScope' apps

FilmScope and FilmScope Worldwide, from Rentrak's Theatrical Group, provide film enthusiasts with top line U.S. domestic box office results and expanded film information.

FilmScope also allows users to read reviews and purchase movie tickets via their iPhone or iPod touch.

FilmScope Worldwide will offer an international perspective with box office intelligence on multiple international territories, all of which was previously only available to Rentrak subscribers.

[via FierceWireless Press release]

Variety gets an app

Variety gets an app.

All the latest news, reviews, videos and photos from Variety, the weekly entertainment trade newspaper.

Including last night's Oscar coverage.

Swiss TV TSR gets an iPhone app

TSRinfo is Swiss Television Network TSR's iPhone app, one of the first European TV networks to launch a single standing app. Previously Twenty European TV networks are available as channels on multi appTelevision.

Related: - An iPhone app called Television. Indeed

'Pharce' app Lets Users Create Videos And Put Them On YouTube

The Pharce app lets iPhone users create mocking, cute, or funny videos from pictures in their iPhoto Library. Such pictures can come from photos the user takes with the iPhone, photographs they "synced" with the iPhone from their computer, or images saved from the web.

Check out instructional walkthrough on YouTube.

[via PRMac]

NBA.com All-Star Game iPhone app

According to MediaWeek, NBA fans will soon be able to stream live footage of this weekend’s All-Star game on their iPhones.

The league’s longtime broadcast partner Turner has launched a new iPhone app which will enable viewers for the first time to access four different live camera angles during NBA All-Star Saturday Night (Feb. 14) and the 2009 NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 15) via their phones.

The NBA.com All-Star Live app, which runs iPhone users 99 cents, will not deliver TNT’s telecast of the game but instead will offer footage shot from several unique vantage points which won’t been seen on TV.

TubeJunkies Lite

TubeJunkies is a special RSS reader to make it easier for YouTube fans to keep track of their favourite videos in YouTube.

Users can subscribe to video channels based on search text, youtube users, or video tags, and never miss any new videos uploaded.

Below is a screen capture of my search for Barack Obama's YouTube Channel.

Equinux debuts iPhone apps: LiveTV, TubeToGo

Equinux has released two new media viewing applications for the iPhone and iPod touch, Live TV and TubeToGo. Macnn reports.

LiveTV works with The Tube for the Mac, a program that lets users watch live television on their computer. By syncing the two together, users are able to watch any channels that there Mac is set up to receive, through their iPhone/iPod. In addition to viewing, remote access to recording is also available that will enable people to record a live program to their Mac for later use.

iSlumDog Millionaire - a sucker app

A new app dedicated to Slumdog Millionaire - nominated for ten Oscars including Best Picture and winner of 4 Golden Globes.

In their own words: iSlumdog Millionaire allows you to listen to Oscar nominated song and Golden Globe award winning sound track (preview), Check out the Production photos and exclusive stills and the 10 Oscar nominations.

And that's it. The opening screen shot is the poster shot for the movie with the sound track blasting and credits. The only thing you can do is click on one of 16 other stills from the movie to change the background of your iPhone screen.

No games, no quizzes. And it cost $ 4.99. Definitely an app that means only to exploit the popularity of the movie.

TED Conferences iPhone app

TED conference sare now available under a Creative Commons license on iPhones thanks to a dedicated TED app.

You can watch and listen to the latest videos and audio published by TED, search their vast collection of content on your iPhone, bookmark your favorite talks to share with others or enjoy later.

The TED app is this week's App Store Pick of the Week.

The Vudu Movie Catalog app

The Vudu Movie Catalog app allows you to browse and search through Vudu's expansive movie catalog from anywhere an Internet connection is available.

After finding something that suits your mood, rent or purchase the movie using your Vudu account and it will be downloaded to your Vudu box automatically, ready for you to watch it at your leisure.

[via Ubergizmo]

Sony Pictures updates iPhone app

Sony has released an update of the James Bond 007 appJ launched first in September to promote Quantum Solace.

Now you can have access to all the latest upcoming trailers in HD, access movie info, get showtimes and tickets for the movies. See whats available for film and TV shows released in iTunes, and play the hottest games like Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy.

SpongeBob Squarepants Tickler cell phone app

SpongeBob Squarepants Tickler is the first app released by MTV Networks.

You can:

-- Tap him to make him talk
-- Tap the screen to blow bubbles
-- Slide your finger on the screen and SpongeBon will follow you with his eyes
-- Play music with his record player and watch him dance
-- Shake your phone and watch him jump
-- Tilt him and see Gary hand onto the side
-- Zoom on SpongeBob to stretch his face.

'Lost' fans compete for $1,000 prize in new iPhone app

This is interesting, an iPhone app related to TV show Lost. It's not part of ABC's media mix to promote the show, it's unofficial, but cell phone apps could definitely be the wave of the future for networks.

In Michael Schneider's own words posted on his blog:

I Love Lost is a fan application and $1,000 countdown contest. The app includes trivia, a tab to post and rate other peoples theories about what it all means, and a chat tab for real discussions avout the show.

The $1,000 contest starts on January 26, 2009 to coincide with the second episode of the new season.

While there are iPhone apps for games shows such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire , Deal or No Deal and Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader, Schneider believes "I Love Lost" is the the first community-based, unofficial fan app for a TV show.

[via This is Tech blog]

#1 iPhone App Creator Offers $5000 Prize in Video Contest

The creators of iFart Mobile, the #1 Paid App in iTunes for over 3 weeks and featured on major news and tech web sites around the world have announced a You Tube Video contest with a Grand Prize of $5,000 US dollars, and runner prizes of an Apple Macbook and iPod Touch.

The contest was announced yesterday on iFart Mobile's website. Contest participants may create a 30 to 60 second video promoting the iFart Mobile phone application.

Participants will be required to follow certain production guidelines and submit their video to their YouTube.com account no later than April 30th, 2009.

Press release

Unofficial TiVo Remote cell phone app

TiVo Remote is the a cell phone app that acts as a remote control program for TiVo. Aside from the novelty of changing the channel, you can use the iPhone's full QWERTY keyboard to search for programming.
[via Gizmodo]

Just for the record, the app is NOT officially related to TiVo, Inc.

Another app with TiVo feautres: i.TV