Content Companies Rush to Deliver iPad Apps

CUPERTINO: Ahead of the launch of Apple’s iPad tomorrow, a host of media companies, including Disney, MTV Networks and Discovery, have announced apps for the new device.

Disney said yesterday that it would offer applications from all of its businesses on the new Apple iPad, including the ABC video player. As such, iPad users will be able to watch free, ad-supported episodes from about 20 ABC series through a wi-fi connection, as well as purchase downloads of episodes via the iTunes store. In addition, Disney Online has built a custom iPad version of Disney.com that focuses on exclusive video content. iPad videos featured at launch include new scenes from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, full episodes of Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Suite Life on Deck and Phineas & Ferb, and a new Muppets music video, Stand by Me. There are also several apps from ESPN.

“The iPad provides a very compelling consumer experience, and we are pleased to have new forms of original, interactive content on this great device,” said Bob Iger, the president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company.

Discovery Communications has launched a MythBusters App for iPad, after rolling out a version for the iPhone and iPod touch. "The iPad represents a compelling new opportunity to engage Discovery viewers and we’re thrilled to bring consumers an action-packed app with which to explore and experience MythBusters," said Rebecca Glashow, the senior VP of digital media distribution at Discovery Communications. "MythBusters is one of Discovery’s most popular franchises across all platforms from television to online, mobile and social media, and its fans are among some of our most passionate, making it the perfect choice for our first iPad app."

MTV Networks is rolling out four new apps for iPad from MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1 Classic. “The iPad gives us nearly limitless opportunities to creatively connect with consumers of all ages wherever they are,” said Greg Clayman, the executive VP of digital distribution and business development at MTV Networks. “We’re excited to be among the first to market with iPad apps." The slate includes apps for Beavis and Butt-Head and Dora the Explorer.

Online DVD rental company Netflix has released an app that will enable it members to stream an unlimited number of TV episodes and movies on the iPad. "The innovation and consumer appeal of iPad make it a perfect device for instantly watching TV episodes and movies streamed from Netflix," said Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-founder and CEO. "We are excited to make a Netflix App available to iPad users beginning with the iPad launch."

And from Marvel Entertainment comes the the Marvel Comics App for iPad, which launches with more than 500 of Marvel’s greatest comic books. Dan Buckley, the publisher and CEO of Marvel Publishing, noted: "The iPad is the first device that offers us a chance to present digital comics that are even close to replicating the experience of reading a print comic. This new world of digital comics distribution provides us great opportunities to reach new readers, allow consumers to sample our diverse stories and characters, and we believe it will drive these new fans into the App Store and local comic shops each week to find even more."