As part of its strategy to provide original creative content where and how consumers want it, Disney will offer apps from all of its businesses on the new Apple iPad. The ABC Player app extends the reach of ABC.com’s full episode player onto the iPad. iPad users will have the ability to watch free, ad-supported episodes from 20 popular ABC series through a WiFi connection.
ABC is the only network fully supporting the iPad with apps so far. NBC has reportedly scrapped plans to stream full television episodes onto the device. The website for CBS will stream only one TV show, “Survivor,” on the iPad on Saturday. CBS says other TV shows will be made available for iPad viewing later. The hurdles are partly technical, primarily involving the conversion from Flash. Other reasons include media wanting viewers to pay for episodes and films through the Apple’s iTunes store rather than streaming them free through a Web browser.
Disney Publishing Worldwide has built two original “Toy Story” read-along apps for the iPad, both combining Disney stories and unique activities with cutting edge technology. Each “Toy Story” read-along is an immersive multimedia experience – the books feature video from the feature films, karaoke and voice record features, the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, songs from the movies, original games, and even an interactive coloring feature that lets kids finger-paint with up to 10 fingers on the screen. In addition, new “Disney Princess,” “Phineas & Ferb,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “Toy Story 3” apps will go live on the iPad later this spring.
Disney Online has built a custom iPad version of its flagship website, Disney.com, which focuses on exclusive video content. iPad videos featured at launch include new scenes from Disney films “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” full-episodes of popular Disney Channel and Disney XD series “Hannah Montana,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Suite Life on Deck” and “Phineas & Ferb,” and a new Muppets music video, “Stand by Me.”
Marvel Comics App includes over 500 of Marvel’s greatest comic books, from classic stories to modern tales, featuring Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk, Thor and more of the world’s most popular Super Heroes.
In addition to the ABC player and “Toy Story” read-along apps, Disney, ABC and ESPN will launch the following applications:
•Fairies Fly on iPad — Fly with the Fairies and discover a world of adventure and fun like never before! Enhanced with visually stunning graphics and new art just for the iPad, this magical game captures the excitement of the changing seasons in a place called Pixie Hollow.
•JellyCar 2 on iPad — The sequel to one of last year’s top games, JellyCar 2 comes fully loaded with more than 30 levels, power-ups, new Two-Player Modes: Tether and Race. Jelly Car is the hit driving platform game developed by Walaber. The game is about driving a squishy car through squishy worlds to reach the exit.
•Phineas and Ferb Arcade on iPad — Inspired by Disney Channel and DXD’s #1 animated program for kids 6-11 comes Phineas and Ferb Arcade. Play with your favorite characters in three simple, silly mini games: win the surfing trophy in Cowabunga Candance, test your secret agent skills in Agent P’s Hideout, and build a mountain in S’no Problem!
•ESPN Pinball on iPad.
•ESPN ScoreCenter XL — The original ScoreCenter app for iPhone and iPod touch devices has been optimized for the iPad’s interface and enhanced with new, premium features.
•FamilyFun Craft Finder on iPad — The Disney FamilyFun Craft Finder App provides instant access to FamilyFun’s library of great craft ideas for the whole family. The iPad version features includes more crafts and full-size pictures.
