Redesigned NFL Mobile app hits Windows Phone 8
Google forced a Microsoft fumble yesterday by blocking the new YouTube app for Windows Phone 8. While this was a major blow to users of Microsoft's mobile operating system, they may have scored a touchdown with the new and improved NFL Mobile app.
For readers living outside of the USA, NFL stands for "National Football League". This is American Football not the football as it is known around the rest of the world. In other words, helmets, tights and an oval ball; not short-shorts, high-socks and a round ball!
According to Microsoft, "The redesigned and improved app -- formerly a Verizon Wireless exclusive -- covers every preseason, regular season, and postseason game with tons of stats, highlight clips, and news updates". Having the app available to all Windows Phone 8 users regardless of carrier is a wonderful thing.
The following are listed as highlights of the app:
- Scores -- Receive up-to-the minute NFL game score updates from around the league
- Custom Team Alerts -- Follow your favorite team and get customized alerts – including injury updates, highlights, game start times, entry into the red zone, and scoring plays
- Fantasy Football -- Manage your NFL.com fantasy team directly in the app
- Video Highlights -- Watch highlights after the game
Sadly, even though the app is no longer a Verizon exclusive, the premium features still are. According to the Windows Phone Store, "Verizon smartphone customers can upgrade to Premium Features for access to NFL RedZone on Sunday afternoons, and LIVE NFL games on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights during the preseason and regular season. Premium Features also gives you access to live game audio, and NFL Network 24/7".
As a Windows Phone 8 user (on Verizon) and a New York Jets fan (yes, we still exist), I am very excited to take advantage of this app during the upcoming NFL season.