HBO Launches Free iPhone/iPod touch Application

Premium programmer, HBO, has launched a free iPhone/iPod touch application in the Apple App Store. According to the company, the app, which was designed by Atimi Software, is designed to provide an "in-depth, interactive experience" that incorporates a range of branded entertainment, including video clips and in interactive episode guide. "We think the HBO App for iPhone and iPod touch will quickly attract both HBO's loyal fans as well as new consumers," HBO's VP of brand strategy, Alison Moore, said in a prepared statement. "With the most up-to-date content and information about our programming, schedules, stars, and more, the HBO App will become a key entertainment resource for our consumers."

Key features of the new HBO App include episode guides to and video clips of the programmer's movies, series, documentaries and sports programming; behind-the-scenes videos; and the ability for users to view and share cast photos. According to HBO, a "unique" feature of the new app is the ability to view the complete HBO programming schedule (including HD, on-demand and multiplex channels), based on the user's actual geographic location. The app also allows users to receive SMS alerts on upcoming programs and to mark programs as "favorites," so that they can find and follow their selected shows, HBO says. Other features touted by HBO include integration with popular social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to share information from the app with their friends and followers; full-screen display of videos and photos via "landscape" mode; the ability to purchase video content and merchandise through iTunes and Amazon.com by pressing a "Buy Episode" button; and a game that allows users to find "hidden objects" in images from HBO series within specific time limits.

In other iPhone news: Live streaming specialist Qik's Qik Live app has now been approved by Apple and is available in the App Store. According to the company, the app works on the iPhone 2G, 3G and 3GS and on both 3G and WiFi; allows users to share completed videos via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networks; offers a private setting, allowing users to share videos via email and SMS only with designated third parties; and is location-enabled, allowing users' friends to track them as they broadcast a video. In addition, just after launching Qik Live, Qik last week launched a $0.99 app called Qik VideoCamera that allows iPhone 2G and 3G users to record video locally (in 352x288 resolution)--a feature hitherto available only on the iPhone 3GS.