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NFL Scores 500,000 Online Viewers for Thursday Night Highlights

November 18, 2011 by

We didn’t have a chance to check it out, but according to the NFL a half-million folks logged on to NFL.com/LIVE last night to check out a varied package of “in-game” highlights and analysis from the Thursday night tilt between the New York Rexes and the Denver Tebows.

According to the press release about the game viewership, the online portion was not a full streaming presentation but instead a mix of “live look-ins” and analysis from the NFL Network’s various talking heads. From the release:

Nearly 500,000 fans logged on to the complementary online coverage of Jets-Broncos via NFL.com/LIVE Thursday Night Football presented by GMC, which features “live look-ins,” highlights, statistics and instant analysis from a team of experts on-site and in NFL Network’s Los Angeles studios.

And once again, having an online component did nothing to detract from regular over the air or cable viewers — so please, more online coverage! Again, from the release, the stuff you already know — that everyone likes football, especially on Thursday when there’s no NBA.

Last night’s New York Jets-Denver Broncos game on NFL Network was watched by an average of 7.1 million viewers (not including over-the-air stations in New York and Denver) – topping last year’s Week 11 game by 31 percent (Bears-Dolphins, 5.4 million). After two games, Thursday Night Football is averaging 6.1 million viewers, up 17 percent over 2010.

Jets-Broncos is the fifth most-watched game in the six years of Thursday Night Football on NFL Network and ranked as the night’s No. 1 show among all programs on cable. Other sports competition included North Carolina-Virginia Tech college football on ESPN, which drew 1.8 million viewers.

Filed Under: ESPN, NFL, NFL Network, Tim Tebow Tagged With: ,

Friday Grab Bag: Look at Android 4.0

November 18, 2011 by

Major League Baseball makes Two Moves- Hate them Both
MLB has made moving to the American League a condition for the purchase of the Houston Astros by Jim Crane, a deal that was unanimously approved by baseball owners The team will move in 2013 and so there will be two 15 team leagues, with interleague games starting at the beginning of the season.

The second move is the creation of two more Wild Card spots for the playoffs. Ohh boy, I will be on the edge of my seat waiting for that one game playoff between the wild card teams before the real playoffs begin.

I guess Selig wants this as his legacy prior to his long awaited retirement. I thought turning a blind eye to a decade of steroid usage and then crying crocodile tears was enough of a legacy for the man.

A good look at next generation Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich technology
The good folks at Slash Gear have uploaded a walk through on some of the latest features that will be included in the new Android 4.0 operating system that is just now reaching users hands. The operating system has a range of features that will continue to create a clear differentiation between it and Apple’s iOS technology.

The first feature highlighted is the Active Voice Diction feature that greatly enhances an already existing feature of the phone. It allows for pauses from the speaker and types out what you are saying as you go along.

Another feature is the Face Unlock and unlock to camera. This technology allows the phone to automatically unlock when it views a preregistered face. There are still issues to this and it can be deactivated by the user. The device will also have a quick method to unlock the camera so that you can quickly take photos. Head on over and see all of their coverage of ICS.

Klip Raises $8min Series B Round-App Popular with Sports Fans?
Klip, a startup app developer that is creating an iOS App that enables users to capture, share and view mobile videos has closed its Series B funding round after raising $8m led by Benchmark Capital with Matrix Partners and Klip founder Alain Rossman also participating. This brings the total funding for the company to $10m.

The company, which launched its first App in September, will now have Bruce Dunlevie of Benchmark join Josh Hannah of Matrix Partners and Klip Founder/CEO Alain Rossmann on the Board of Directors.

The program has a range of automated features that allow users to easily record, ports and resend klips. Video can be easily accelerated for a quick look. In an interview with TechCrunch, founder Rossmann said that the use of hashtags is very important especially among sports fans where its use is very prevalent.


A solid look at Tebow’s Throws
The ever solid Football Outsiders takes a look at how Tim Tebow has progressed as a NFL quarterback this season. Tebow baiting has been growing as a popular sport and this appears to be one of the few well researched pieces on his games.

One thing that leaped out at me was the amount of time between snap and throw, which in the Miami game was 4.4 seconds but declined every week and was 2.5 seconds by the Kansas City game five games later. It also breaks down his results according t how long he holds the ball. I would love to see a chart like this for every NFL quarterback.

PCWorld Writer Claims not too late for Windows Phone-Or Not.
A recent column by Tony Bradley in PCWorld talks about why it is not too late for Microsoft to establish Windows Phone 7 as a serious player in the smartphone arena. While acknowledging that it is late to the market he sees positives from the company.

Bradley lists the ability to take advantage of the Microsoft ecosystem, to seamlessly integrate with that ecosystem and that Microsoft, by scrapping Windows Mobile and developing Windows 7 from the ground up helped it integrate new features that will differentiate it from its rivals.

For a counter point look no further than PCWorld columnist Joseph Fieber who wrote a week earlier that Windows Phone 7 is too late and has missed the boat. Not yet having had the opportunity to try Windows Phone 7 I am staying out of this one.

A Last Laugh-Password Edition
PCMag has released a list of the 25 worst passwords. Does anybody really use 123456? Aside from my Dad?

Filed Under: Android, Apps, Athlete to Follow, Denver Broncos, Klip, Major League Baseball, NFL Tagged With: , , ,

Intel the Latest to Create Mobility App Fund

November 17, 2011 by

The company has a strong history of focusing funds on specific markets

Intel has created a $100 million investment fund called AppUp Fund that invests in a range of mobile companies and has already helped provide financing to two startups, 4tiitoo and Urban Airship. The fund will invest not only in app developers but also middleware, mobile infrastructure, and digital content.

Intel has created several funds such as this over the years including its $500 million Communications fund formed in 1999 and its recently formed $300 million Ultrabook fund. The funds are managed by Intel Capital.

Of course Intel is not just investing in any company. The ones that will get its blessing, and funding, are ones that advance the Intel architecture, something that is increasingly important for the company as it continues to see important platforms and products being built using processors from rivals such as ARM.

Just One of Many Players in Fund Space

There are other efforts at funding startups, and the number is growing with companies seeking to fund everything from efforts to create apps for a specific operating system like Android, or social media platforms like Facebook, and increasingly just to push the overall market.

There is the App Fund from VezTek that seeks to bring investors and inventors together, United Holdings Group’s Mobile App Fund that offers between $5,000 to $500,000 for developers in a range of mobile spaces from Enterprise, small business, B2B as well as social media and collaborative entertainment.

The Founders Fund and Accel Partners, original funders of Facebook, launched a $10 million fund in 2007 called the FBFund, although it is run a bit differently than others with Facebook executives participating in the vetting process.

First two Investments

One of the first two companies that have received undisclosed funding from Intel is Urban Airship, a Portland, Ore. developer of a platform that enables developers and publishers to target specific market segments with push notifications, subscriptions and geo-location info.

The second, with the snappy name of 4tiitoo, was founded in 2007 in Germany and is an open source developer that already has experience working with Intel. It developed the WeTab OS that is based on the MeeGo technology that was jointly developed by Intel, Nokia and the open source community. It is currently working on software solutions across all system layers from kernel development up to application development.

The amount of funding shows just how important major companies and venture capital firms see the emerging mobile app and social app markets. Expect this to lead to new innovations and a new generation of programs that can enhance all aspects of the user and business experience as related to the mobile space.

Filed Under: Android, Apps, Google, Startup, Tablets Tagged With: , , , , ,

Verizon’s ‘Double Data’ Plans Good News for Mobile Sports Fans

November 15, 2011 by

If you are in the market for a 4G phone, here’s an early Christmas present — Verizon Wireless is currently offering double the downloadable data for its 4G LTE phones, the devices that run on Verizon’s new, speedy Long Term Evolution-based network.

Due to its exclusive deals like NFL Mobile, which allows it to offer live NFL games to its cell phone customers, Verizon is a leader in the mobile-sports world but previously we wondered if customers might chew right through their monthly data plans by watching a full live NFL game or two. While we still don’t have a definitive answer on how much data you use watching live video, at least now you can get twice the buffer for the same price.

At the top end, Verizon Wireless has an $80 per month data plan that used to get you 10 GB of data, and under the new promotion it will get you 20 — which should be more than enough for all your live-sports video needs. There are lower pricing and data tiers as well. Verizon also has the widest selection of 4G phones, including the new Motorola Droid Razr, as well as some models introduced earlier this year (like the well-received HTC Thunderbolt) which can now be had at reduced prices.

Verizon Wireless also offers exclusive coverage of the NHL, as well as local apps for NFL teams like the Chicago Bears and the Buffalo Bills. While we would still prefer that cellular providers give you real unlimited data plans, those days are mostly gone. For sports fans, Verizon’s double-data promotion is a good deal if you are in the market or ready to upgrade.

Filed Under: 4G LTE, Apps, Motorola, NFL, Verizon Wireless Tagged With: , , ,

FanVision allows Fans to follow NFL Games while in Attendence

November 15, 2011 by


Football fans upset with the limited or poor reception capabilities of their smartphones at football venues might want to take a look at FanVision and its mobile broadcast offerings. While currently only available in a limited number of venues the technology has the potential to save you from the frustration of using your phone as well allow you to see plays that you might have missed.

Available in only 12 NFL stadiums, as well as for Formula 1 racing and the University of Michigan football games it offers fans a number of viewing options and additional features. FanVision Entertainment, which started life as Kangaroo TV in 2003 the company claims that it has so far attended 170 live events in 20 nations including PGA and NASCAR events.

Designed for use in the stadium where the attendee is watching the game FanVision provides a handheld device that features a 4.3-inch display and it claims that it has a six hour battery life. It provides live coverage of the game with multiple camera angles, and has instant replay from multiple angles. There are also custom highlight reels as well as player and team stats and bios .It provides live audio from the local announcing team and in select out of market games it also provides the national radio feed.

There are a total of ten channels and among the other content is the NFL Red Zone, a cheerleader cam, the network telecast of the local game and live fantasy football updates. The NFL teams covered are Arizona, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Minnesota, Miami, New York Jets, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis and Washington D.C.

FanVision has developed a system that avoids the reception issue by putting the broadcast gear in the stadium with equipment at both ends of the stadium and elsewhere and claims that it can reach everywhere in the entire facility. As many fans know, despite having five bars or a strong signal does not ensure that you will be able to make a connection to a network with your phone for uploading, downloading text, email, and video or for any possible purpose.

Since it is offered at a limited number of NFL stadiums currently, and not any that I have attended in the last few year, I have not seen it in action but the premise looks solid and it gets generally positive to very positive reviews. It is not a perfect system according to the reviews but the flaws seem minor compared to the advantages that it brings and I could see buying one if I had a still had season tickets at a stadium it is offered in or rent one if available at a game I am going to attend, now I will not miss the action while in the beer line!

Rental of the devices is $19.99 per game while purchasing the device costs $199 for the remainder of the current season. The full-season price is $249.

Filed Under: Denver Broncos, FanVision, Live sports via mobile, NASCAR, NCAA Football, NFL Tagged With: , , ,

Total College Sports Aims For Edgy Sports Alternative to ESPN

November 14, 2011 by

Total College Sports anchor Melanie Collins with Kobe Bryant

Is being edgier than ESPN a competitive advantage in the Internet sports video arena?

An Internet video network backed by live-streaming sports content powerhouse PERFORM and a company founded by the same ownership as the Chicago White Sox is banking on it.

Called Total College Sports, the network formally launched late last month.

Distributed through a video player embedded on Chicago Tribune Sports and other websites, Total College Sports is anchored by former NBA-TV and Big Ten Network host Melanie Collins. It features highlights from the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and Pac-12 conferences, as well as studio commentary from former ESPN personality Sean Salisbury and LaVar Arrington.

“It is edgier than ESPN,” said Juan Delgado, North American managing director for PERFORM.

A linchpin for SEASON

Silver Chalice Ventures is the driver behind Total College Sports, and the programming is part of its SEASON sports platform.

Designed as a free-to-view platform for sports fans, SEASON will provide an array of sports content throughout the year, including Major League Baseball,  National Hockey League, golf and soccer clips. All of it is delivered through PERFORM’s ePlayer, and supported by advertising that appears before each segment.

With such sponsors as Bridgestone, AquaFresh, htc and Verizon already buying advertising space, Total College Sports underscores the fact that the cost of producing original video content is becoming an increasingly feasible proposition.

Silver Chalice EVP and GM Rich Routman

“With increasing demand for premium video content – and more marketing dollars shifting to digital media, particularly online video advertising – SEASON is uniquely positioned to benefit consumers by providing premium content, while aiding marketers and publishers in reaching this fast-paced audience,” said Rich Routman, EVP and GM of Silver Chalice.

SEASON is part of an industry drive toward more sports video on the Internet. Bleacher Report and SB Nation parent Vox Media were among the companies tapped by Google last month as part of a $100 million plan to produce original content for YouTube, marking their transition from blog-driven portals to broadcast networks.

Total College Sports content

Total College Sports player

Is total College Sports content edgier than ESPN?

A typical Total College Sports segment might include Salisbury’s picks against the Las Vegas betting line, jokes about shamrocks on Notre Dame football helmets and this quote from Georgia’s head coach Mark Richt:

 “To answer your question I am not going to answer that question because I don’t like it.”

In actuality, with the exception of picks against Las Vegas lines, that’s pretty standard fare on ESPN. Total College Sports programming will need to reach further if it plans to differentiate itself from the established media brands.

The PERFORM connection 

Total College Sports is a serious player among dot.com video start-ups in part because of its backing from PERFORM.

Founded in 2001, PERFORM has over 1,000 employees worldwide, went public in April and is showing 50 percent year-over-year revenue growth. It originally focused its business on managing subscription services for premium, live-streamed video content tied to professional sports teams. It continues to provide those services, but has seen demand for its services grow into broader advertising-supported and sponsored content channels.

Today, PERFORM hosts Fox Sports’ FoxSoccer.TV and Goal.com, which has 35 million unique visitors, including 4 million in the United States.

Filed Under: PERFORM, Silver Chalice, Total College Sports Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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