Written Android App Review
ESPN is taking mobile coverage to the next level with WatchESPN, their new Android app that lets sports enthusiasts take their favorite ESPN channels with them on-the-go. Stream your favorite programs on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU right on your Android phone.
Function
To run WatchESPN you must first install Adobe AIR. AIR is a legitimate Adobe program meant to allow enhanced software packages, install it and forget about it. After you install Adobe AIR and ESPN Watch, launching the program gives you several options. You can log in with your cable service provider information, wiz past the login and register later, or view channel schedules.
Once you’re in you can watch featured selections, search for current, future or past coverage by the type of sport you are interested in, or watch what is currently airing on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU. The search feature is a little weak. You can search for a type of sport, but do not attempt to search by the name of your favorite team; you’ll come up empty handed.
WatchESPN
At launch, WatchESPN for Android has existing partnerships with Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS, and Verizon High Speed. You must be a customer of one of these internet or cable services to use WatchESPN. In addition to having one of these providers, your package must include ESPN, or else the program will not work. ESPN Inc must be optimistic about expanding the list of providers that support them. Their sign in page has options for several additional service providers. Users who select an unsupported provider are instantly diverted to a smartly worded marketing spiel about requesting WatchESPN.
Design
ESPN Inc is no small fry app developer. Their WatchESPN app gives you the sports goods in a crisp package that is extremely easy to navigate. The basic black and grey lay out is punched up with a little signature ESPN red. The content is an entirely different matter. They are streaming full color channels live to this Android app. Quality will depend largely on your network speed and coverage. I can tell you first hand, streaming with the WatchESPN app on the HTC Thunderbolt in 4G coverage is seamless.
Value
Let me be frank, WatchESPN is a slick platform that is amazingly customizable and convenient, if you can actually use it. If your cable or internet provider does not support WatchESPN, then this app is relatively useless. You can enjoy four hours of time with the application without registering or verifying your account. After four hours, your time is up. At that time you will be the proud owner of an app that offers you an extremely convenient way to check ESPN channel programs. That’s all.
If you can use WatchESPN, you are in luck. Enjoy a sprawling variety of coverage of everything from football, basketball and baseball, to boxing, cricket and motocross.
Android Apps Review Details: WatchESPN Android app is free. This app requires Android 2.2 and up. You may download WatchESPN from the Android Market.
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Decent app - great way really to get my sports fix while out and about