by With today’s technology, you no longer need a television to watch TV – there’s an app for that. Cable networks, satellite TV providers and video streaming services offer mobile apps to enhance TV entertainment for viewers everywhere. Now you can take your favorite shows with you wherever you go. Check out the best TV entertainment apps on the market today.
TV Network Apps
WatchESPN: This is the app for sports fans that can’t miss a single play of the game. WatchESPN connects to 24/7 live streaming from virtually every ESPN network including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPNU. Catch the game winning shots and the highlight reels after the buzzer. Best of all, you can watch live coverage of some of the most intense tournaments like The Masters, NBA playoffs and more. The app is free to download, but live streaming is limited to select cable providers. Check your TV package for ESPN access.
Compatible With: Android phones and tablets, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Xbox 360.
HBO GO: Now HBO subscribers can access their top HBO shows away from your home TV. HBO GO is available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app is perfect for frequent travelers who can’t always take their HBO subscription on the road. Now you can access every season and every episode of your favorite shows from your smartphone or tablet. Watch movies, sports, comedies and series’ like Game of Thrones, The Newsroom, Boardwalk Empire or Girls, wherever you go. Plus, get special features like behind-the-scenes footage and commentary. The cost? Free.
Compatible With: Android, iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Roku, Samsung and Xbox 360.
WATCH Disney Channel: Don’t forget the kids. They too can enjoy their favorite Disney Channel shows on-the-go. The WATCH Disney Channel app is perfect for parents who always need activities to entertain children in a pinch. Whether you are in the car or waiting in line at the grocery store, your kids can tune into network favorites like Jessie, Austin & Ally, Good Luck Charlie and more. The download is free, and customers with select local cable providers can access additional programs and episodes.
Compatible With: iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.
HGTV to Go: Get inspiration for your home with access to your favorite HGTV shows and interactive features. Watch full episodes of your favorite home shows on your mobile phone or tablet, as well as browse the app for purpose or enjoyment. Just tap through photo galleries for decorating tips, gardening tricks and home projects ideas. Also access the network show lineup to check air times for your favorite shows. The app is free to download.
Compatible With: iPhone and iPad.
TV Provider Apps
DIRECTV: The DIRECTV app brings the top television entertainment right to your mobile device, available for mobile phones and tablets. You must be a current DIRECTV customer to use the app. Download is completely free, and allows users to watch live TV on a mobile device from anywhere inside a home with DIRECTV service. Choose from hundreds of On Demand shows, movies, sports and more. You can also use your device as a remote control to fast forward or rewind a program. Away from home and realize you forgot to record an episode of your favorite show? Just use the app to set your DVR remotely.
Compatible With: Android phones and tablets, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, Palm and more.
Dish Anywhere: The Dish Anywhere app turns your mobile devices into another home television set. The app is free for current customers. Watch live TV, On Demand movies and programs stored in your home DVR. You don’t even have to be at home to watch TV. The Dish Anywhere mobile app can access content from anywhere, as long as you have a Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G connection.
Compatible With: Android phones and tablets, iPhone, iPad.
Streaming Apps
Hulu Plus: Stream a selection of current TV shows on your smartphone or tablet with Hulu Plus. The app is free to download but requires a paid subscription to Hulu, typically around $7.99 per month for unlimited instant streaming. See the newest episodes of the latest shows like Modern Family, Glee, and Family Guy. You can also access a library of classic movie titles and past TV series. You can start watching a show on your TV or computer, and resume viewing on a mobile device.
Compatible With: Android phones and tablets, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Kindle Fire, Nook, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360 and more.
Netflix App: Netflix lets users build a custom queue of TV shows and movies to view anytime. With the Netflix app, not only can you view your Netflix content on your TV, you can also watch it from your mobile phone, tablet or computer. The app is free for subscribing customers paying the monthly membership fee of $7.99 a month.
Compatible With: Android phones and tablets, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Kindle Fire, Nook, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360 and more.
For more TV entertainment apps, go to your mobile app store and search for TV.
