Technology
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 3:23 pm EDT
Key Points
- Apple released a new iPhone app called Apple Sports, providing sports scores from major teams and leagues, emphasizing simplicity and real-time updates.
- The app is integrated with other Apple Services apps like TV and News, pulling user preferences and offering features such as notifications and live activities.
- Apple aims to enhance sports distribution, bidding for rights and collaborating with developers and streaming providers, with plans to support various leagues including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and international soccer leagues.
Apple has unveiled a new iPhone app, Apple Sports, dedicated to tracking sports scores, marking its latest venture into becoming a significant sports content provider. The app, available for free download in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., provides real-time scores for major teams and leagues, emphasizing simplicity and speed for frequent usage throughout the day. Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, highlighted the app’s focus on delivering scores without distractions, distinguishing it from other sports apps by its lack of affiliations with specific teams or leagues. While Apple has already delved into sports content by acquiring rights and broadcasting MLB and MLS games and producing sports-related documentaries, its new app integrates tightly with existing Apple Services apps, such as News and TV. Users’ preferences from these apps are seamlessly incorporated into the Sports app, ensuring personalized experiences from the outset. Notifications and live activities are managed through the News and TV apps, including alerts for game start times and close games of interest. Game pages within the app offer detailed information specific to each sport, including scoring updates and player statistics, with an option to view live streams directly via the Apple TV app. Despite not having a dedicated version for the Vision Pro headset, Apple’s focus remains on streamlining sports distribution and providing users with easy access to sports information and broadcasts. The app will support a wide range of leagues, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, Bundesliga, Premier League, and NCAA basketball, with additional features planned for events like college basketball’s March Madness tournament. Cue emphasized Apple’s commitment to simplifying the sports viewing experience amid the complexity of multiple streaming services, rights agreements, and blackout restrictions, aiming to offer users seamless access to their favorite sports content with minimal hassle.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/21/apple-sports-app-release-february.html
