MLB.com updates At Bat with tvOS features promised at 4th-gen Apple TV debut
In an update sure to please baseball fans across the country, Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) launched a long-awaited update to its At Bat tvOS app this week, debuting next-generation features like split-screen viewing, stat overlays and more.
Arriving in time for the start to the regular season in April, MLB.com At Bat version 2.0 offers the truly interactive app experience promised by MLBAM when the company demoed the software at the fourth-generation Apple TV unveiling last September. Prior to this week's update, the tvOS version of At Bat was, for the most part, a port of the Apple TV channel offered on Apple's third-generation set-top.
The revamped app iteration includes a host of interactive features, including a graphical user interface populated with real-time game and player stats, highlights and more. In addition, a multi-game viewing option lets fans watch two games at the same time, presented side-by-side in a two-up window view. Alongside live game coverage of out-of-market games, subscribers can access high-definition replays on demand.
According to MLBAM, the app leverages a new live streaming technology for what it touts as the "best picture quality ever." During the tvOS app demo last year, the company said its app would be capable of streaming 60fps feeds on supported televisions, a key capability for smoothing out footage of fast-moving sports action.
At Bat keeps fans abreast of the latest league action with interactive onscreen notifications for big plays and highlights from other games. The app also features usually seen on mobile devices, including the ability to "favorite" teams for customized in-app alerts.
The MLB.com At Bat app is free to download on the tvOS App Store. Game highlights are free to watch, but live streaming and on-demand replays require an MLB.TV subscription. Offered as in-app purchases, subscriptions can range from $2.99 to $24.99, depending on coverage.
Arriving in time for the start to the regular season in April, MLB.com At Bat version 2.0 offers the truly interactive app experience promised by MLBAM when the company demoed the software at the fourth-generation Apple TV unveiling last September. Prior to this week's update, the tvOS version of At Bat was, for the most part, a port of the Apple TV channel offered on Apple's third-generation set-top.
The revamped app iteration includes a host of interactive features, including a graphical user interface populated with real-time game and player stats, highlights and more. In addition, a multi-game viewing option lets fans watch two games at the same time, presented side-by-side in a two-up window view. Alongside live game coverage of out-of-market games, subscribers can access high-definition replays on demand.
According to MLBAM, the app leverages a new live streaming technology for what it touts as the "best picture quality ever." During the tvOS app demo last year, the company said its app would be capable of streaming 60fps feeds on supported televisions, a key capability for smoothing out footage of fast-moving sports action.
At Bat keeps fans abreast of the latest league action with interactive onscreen notifications for big plays and highlights from other games. The app also features usually seen on mobile devices, including the ability to "favorite" teams for customized in-app alerts.
The MLB.com At Bat app is free to download on the tvOS App Store. Game highlights are free to watch, but live streaming and on-demand replays require an MLB.TV subscription. Offered as in-app purchases, subscriptions can range from $2.99 to $24.99, depending on coverage.
Comments
GO CUBS!!
I know local TV has paid a chunk of change to buy the rights, but I'd be willing to pay more for a service that does not geo block.
The next sport that needs this treatment is motor racing. It would be awesome to watch races where you can control which car you want to view from, bring up lap times etc.
On top of missing features, the app has major UX issues. In my opinion, it is not ready for public release. How can you have a new app on a new device and not have basic features in place??? MLB completely dropped the ball here. It's all the more perplexing when you consider the app was featured at the product launch. Complete amateur hour.
Now I get a message: “you are not authorized to watch this feed”
I’m in Thailand.
Anyone else with this issue?
I’d love a fix.