WatchESPN gives live ESPN on iPhone, iPod for TV subscribers
updated 11:00 am EDT, Thu April 7, 2011
ESPN intros iPhone and iPod app for live sports TV
ESPN gave iPhone and iPod touch owners a bonus for being subscribed to traditional TV on Thurdsay through its new WatchESPN app (free, App Store). The app lets viewers watch live ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU with a schedule to show both active and upcoming events. The system tries to shelter TV providers and requires a sign-in from a cable or satellite account to get access.
The initial version will let those on cable TV from Bright House or Time Warner Cable watch, as well as those on Verizon's fiber-based FiOS TV. It's not known if other providers are coming onboard.
iPad users can use the current app upscaled today, but a truly optimized version is due in May. ESPN has only vague plans for other platforms and suggested that Android and others would get support in the "near future."
