Bits & Bytes: Olympics apps help fans enjoy all the action from London
BY ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
Sunday, July 22, 2012
7/24/12 at 5:52 PM
I've always been a little awed by the Olympics - nearly every nation on Earth cooperating in athletic spectacles that put most of us mere mortals to shame.
The tech writer in me is also awed by the sheer amount of work that goes into bringing all the action to billions of people simultaneously. And yes, mobile apps are a part of the mix this time around.
The opening ceremonies are set for Friday. A full slate of competition is set for Saturday.
Next iPhone rumored to be thinner than 4S
Looks like I spoke too soon last week - there are some new iPhone rumors popping up. Not only is there talk that the next iPhone will have a bigger screen, the Wall Street Journal is saying it'll be thinner, too. In-cell technology will incorporate the touch sensors directly into the LCD screen, rather than requiring a separate layer that's typically half a millimeter thick.
The technology sounds interesting, but why would anyone care about a thinner screen? Without that extra space, Apple could pack in additional goodies like a bigger battery or make the entire phone lighter. We'll hopefully find out what it chooses within a few months.
Meanwhile, the latest version of Android, dubbed Jelly Bean, is rolling out to Nexus 7 tablets and Galaxy Nexus phones. I'm hoping to get my hands on one or the other to try them as soon as possible.
2012 Team USA
(iOS, Android. Free)
Unlike the great OU/OSU divide, most of us will be rooting for the same team. This app helps you keep track of Team USA with even more schedules and sport listings, as well as up-to-date news, feature stories on athletes and even a store to help you buy Team USA gear.
NBC Olympics Live Extra
(iOS, Android. Free)
NBC is the official American network for the Olympics and is spreading out its coverage over a variety of channels. Fortunately, this app can help you keep track of all the events. You can search for live or highlight videos by sport, see a schedule of events and mark the competitions you don't want to miss. It's not up and running at the moment, though in a worrying sign, the menus were a little choppy on my iPhone 4.
BBC Olympics
(iOS, Android. Free)
Why not turn to the hometown blokes? In addition to a schedule of events, videos and a list of sports, the Beeb can help you find information on individual athletes and national teams, as well as a schedule and news ticker.
So far it seems to run more smoothly than the NBC app. Other than live sports coverage, all of the information is already available. This could be one of the best Olympics news apps.
London 2012: Official Join In App
(iOS, Android. Free)
While the hosts of the Olympics have also released a results app that does much the same thing as NBC and BBC's apps without the videos, I find the Join In app to be much more interesting. This one will tell you about all the events going on in the Olympics area - from sports to art events and performances, as well as a map of where everything is taking place and a full guide to major ceremonies. Perfect for living vicariously.
London 2012: Official Game
(iOS, Android. $2.99)
Let's face it. Most of us can barely step over a laundry basket, much less launch ourselves in the pole vault. This official portable game lets you play nine different events including archery, swimming and track events. They're fun, but be warned - this is another game that tempts you with advantages you have to pay extra for.
Original Print Headline: Apps help Olympics fans enjoy all the action
Follow us on Twitter
Follow @RobertEvatt to get the latest tech news and insight from World Technology Writer Robert Evatt.
Associated Images:
A cleaner walks past the basketball arena at the Olympic Park in London. BEN CURTIS / Associated Press
The new iPhone will be thinner than the 4S version, pictured, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Bloomberg file
|
