Some users are confused as to what the iPad can be used for. Occasionally referred to as a consumption device, potential buyers can get confused as to the advantages of this brilliant invention. Surfing the web, mobile gaming, eReading, GPS and business applications are all viable uses for this micro powerhouse. However, I would describe the iPad as the perfect family entertainment system. With the growing list of video apps available, viewing and enjoying your favorite flicks on the go has never been easier. Let’s take a look.
Plizy (FREE)
As a video aggregator, the Plizy app allows you to create your own channels, or stick with the pre-generated content provided. Categories include the most popular viewed clips on Plizy, TED Talks, Bloomberg, NPRMusic, Google News and video shared with you through Twitter and Facebook. You can also stream videos on your Apple TV using Airplay.
SnagFilms (FREE)
The SnagFilms app is a great app that allows you to watch award-winning documentaries and indie movies for free. Use Airplay with your Apple TV and you can watch the movies on your big screen TV. You can sort movies by genre and create lists to find what you want and watch it any time you like. Find something your friends and family might like? Share the selections with them via Facebook and Twitter, and you can purchase films through iTunes if you’d like to watch a selection offline.
Boxee (FREE)
Originally limited to those who had a Boxee Box (to play media on your TV); it’s no longer needed with the new iPad app. You can watch web videos, view clips sent to you from friends via Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, or check out the latest from Vimeo, YouTube and more. Stream your lists from your computer to your iPad without having to wait for a sluggish conversion process. The only drawback; it doesn’t have a search feature.
ABC Player (FREE)
Love watching primetime TV? Then check out this cool app from one of the big networks and stream full episodes of your favorite shows to your iPad. This is the only major network willing to let viewers watch full episodes of their programming via a device. Sure, you’ll have to sit through some commercials, but it was a smart move for those of use hooked on popular sitcoms and dramas.
TED (FREE)
For research, amazing presentations and cutting edge topics, nothing is better than TED. With the iPad, you now have access to their entire library! That’s more than 1,100 TedTalk presentations and the database is always growing. They provide both hi and low res formats to take advantage of the available bandwidth of your connection. Create your playlists, skim through popular subject matter, tag it, share with friends and use the app in both online and offline modes.
Crackle (FREE)
If you like older content and don’t mind a few bugs, then you might want to try this little app from Sony. Created to support their streaming website, Crackle provides TV shows and movies from the '80s and '90s era. Movies like" The Fifth Element," "Panic Room," "Pineapple Express" and "Kung Fu Hustle" are just a few examples of the options waiting for you.
Showyou (FREE)
Taking advantage of the full capacity of your iPad’s power, flexibility and interface, Showyou is a cleverly designed app everyone should consider. Discover which videos are the most popular in social networks and on the internet. Voted AppStore Rewind 2011 Best Social Networking app for the iPad, Showyou follows the feeds of friends and channels from the Colbert Report, TED, Pitchfork, Reddit TV, the Daily Show and more. Looking for a wide selection of content? Showyou has the biggest we’ve found: 50 million, all hand-picked and indexed.
Squrl (FREE)
Very similar to Showyou, the Squrl app revolves around the latest trends and topics in video from top sources. NASA, Devour, TMZ, TED, Reddit, Vimeo, Tech Crunch, CNN, ESPN, CNBC, Food Network, Funny or Die just to name a few. Like most of the apps, Squrl lets you connect and share via Facebook and Twitter and the app creates channels from the posts you receive and those you follow in your social networks. The bookmarklet is a great feature to use, so you can come back and watch a video later. The search feature allows you to find videos through YouTube and Squrl. If you prefer to use your Airplay and watch videos on your Apple TV, this app can be used as the remote.
Netflix (FREE Trial, but requires a $7.99/mo membership)
Enjoy the worlds leading subscription service through your iPad and watch movies on both your iPad and iPhone. You are required to have a current Netflix membership, which runs $7.99 a month, but it does give you unlimited access to TV shows and movies for a single price. Search by title, browse, select and watch instantly and then rate the show for others.
Take the time to read through the complete descriptions before you download any app, to make sure it’s what you’re looking for and meets your needs. Other apps you may want to check out and consider: IMDb App for iPad, WatchESPN, Fanhattan, PBS, Hulu Plus and FunnyOrDie. Have any apps you’ve found not listed? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Photo by EvelynGiggles
Author Bio
Dwayne Thomas is a staff writer for cabletv.com. Dwayne has writes on a wide variety of technology topics, including mobile apps and green tech.
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