With less than 24 hours to go until Apple officially releases the iPad, companies are coming out of the woodwork with application announcements. A slew of iPad apps will be ready for download at the App Store at launch, from business to entertainment to gaming applications and more.
Disney is one of the most aggressive iPad app providers. Disney’s ABC Player app extends the reach of ABC.com’s full episode player onto the iPad. That means iPad users can watch free, ad-supported episodes from about 20 television shows over a Wi-Fi connection or purchase content via the iTunes Store.
Disney Publishing Worldwide is getting into the iPad fray with two original Toy Story read-along apps for the iPad, while Disney Online has built a custom iPad version of Disney.com that offers exclusive content. Disney’s ESPN is offering a variety of apps as well, from a pinball game to a ScoreCenter app.
“We’re going to see probably greater than 1,000 applications when the device launches tomorrow, which is almost unheard of for a new software platform,” said Michael Gartenberg, a partner at Altimeter Group. “The net result is platform strength for Apple. The availability of so many apps makes the iPad all the more attractive to consumers.”
EA Does iPad Gaming
Expecting gaming on the iPad to be as popular as on other Apple mobile devices, EA Mobile has announced five blockbuster games for the iPad: Scrabble, Tetris, Need for Speed SHIFT, Mirror’s Edge, and Command & Conquer Red Alert. The games have been developed to take advantage of the iPad’s capabilities.
“For example, with Scrabble, we have modernized this family-favorite game by developing a fun, interactive ‘Party Play’ mode,” said Travis Boatman, an EA Mobile vice president. “For our more hard-core fans, Need for Speed SHIFT becomes the ultimate immersive driving experience.”
Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution announced…