We knew Panasonic was going to unleash a slew of recent apps for its Viera Connect televisions, and now it feels like they’re finally able to hit the floor running — for its 2011 models, anyway. Back in January the corporate released its Viera SDK to developers, and now it has a smattering of games and sports apps to teach for it, including the long-promised NBA Game Time, along with standings and highlights from recent games. In the event you’re curious, there’s no sign yet of Asphalt 5 HD, also announced at CES, though Panasonic says the title ought to be launching within the near future. Also on tap are MLS and NHL applications, each of which allow you to watch live games — provided you sign up for these leagues’ live game packages. Panasonic says the NHL app is slated for the center of this month, and you’ll expect MLS in early May. What we’re most enthusiastic about, though, is an app that syncs with select NordicTrack treadmills (due out “later this year”), pairing your run with a primary-person view in Google Earth. We will’t wait to embark on a simulated run throughout the streets of Paris (versus, you realize, actually going there ), but alas, Panasonic wasn’t able to demo the app quite yet.
As always, Viera’s apps are arranged in a grid of enormous squares, all the way down to the standings and recorded matches in MLS, all of which makes these sets easy to navigate using a handheld remote control. (We’ll be curious to determine what it’s like playing Asphalt 5 with the remote, that you’ll should do in case you don’t are looking to spring for an optional wireless gaming controller.) The interface adds the occasional visual flourish, too, including a carousel of NHL standings and fly-in news categories within the AP’s news app. The software is in general responsive, although you would possibly end up waiting a number of extra seconds for news blurbs and other information-heavy tidbits to load. Desire a sneak peak at these apps before they roll out this spring? Hit the link and take a look at the gallery and hands-on video.
PANASONIC UPS ITS GAME IN CONNECTED TV
WITH ACTIVATION OF PRO LEAGUE SPORTS APPS ON ITS 2011 VIERA CONNECT™-ENABLED HDTVSEnhanced IPTV Offerings to be Highlighted During 15-Market
“Experience Amazing” Mall Tour and in New Ad Campaign Launching TodaySECAUCUS, NJ (April 4, 2011) – Panasonic, a frontrunner in connected TV entertainment, announced today the activation of pro sports apps for baseball and basketball on its 2011 line of VIERA ConnectTM-enabled HDTVs1. The planned addition of interactive sports apps including professional baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer was initially announced in January on the International Consumer Electronics Show.
VIERA Connect, an important enhancement of Panasonic’s connected IPTV offerings, features a robust number of applications2 including expanded video streaming and two-way interactive features from gaming to social networking and fitness programs. Apart from popular video applications including YouTube™, Netflix and Amazon Video on DemandTM, the activation of pro sports apps will enable owners of Panasonic’s VIERA Connect-enabled 2011 VIERA HDTVs to monitor their favorite teams live or catch-up on archived games3 optimized for viewing on their large-screen flat-panel HDTVs.
VIERA Connect can be highlighted in Panasonic’s 15-market “Experience Amazing” Tour which kicked off today with events in Big apple’s Grand Central Terminal, Chicago’s Union Station, La’ Culver City Shopping mall. For additional info on Panasonic’s Experience Amazing Tour, including addresses and hours of operation, please visit www.panasonic.com/amazing.
VIERA Connect may also be highlighted in a brand new national print, TV and online ad campaign launching today which makes a speciality of the critically-acclaimed picture quality and lines of Panasonic’s 2011 line of VIERA HDTVs.
“VIERA Connect breaks the limits of the walled garden structure of initial IPTV programs and delivers an unprecedented, more robust, two-way interactive set of features for consumers to enjoy directly through their Panasonic VIERA® HDTVs,” said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice chairman Merwan Mereby who oversees the advance of Panasonic’s rapidly expanding connected TV features and products. “The activation of the sports apps for pro baseball and basketball are great examples of the fantastic content and connectivity VIERA Connect is delivering to consumers and there are numerous more exciting and popular apps at the way.”
Within the coming weeks, Panasonic plans to further expand upon the sports offerings for consumers with the activation of pro hockey and soccer apps. Details on these activations in addition to a number of different sports, fitness, video streaming, social networking, and interactive gaming apps can be announced at a later date.
VIERA Connect also will allow consumers to personalize their connected HDTV experience to their specific interests during the new VIERA Connect Market–a web-based store featuring an ever-growing catalog of hardware products, in addition to free and paid apps from third party developers.
For info on Panasonic’s VIERA Connect IPTV feature, visit www.panasonic.com/vieraconnect.
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