WatchESPN app extends live sports programming to iOS devices

Sports media giant ESPN launched WatchESPN, a new application enabling Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Verizon FiOS TV subscribers to access live programming via iPhone and iPod touch devices.

The free WatchESPN app encompasses content from the ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU cable networks as well as the broadcaster's ESPN3.com online effort, which touts millions of hours of college football, college basketball, Premier League soccer, cricket and rugby coverage, much of it exclusive to the web.

ESPN adds that the app also boasts a user interface optimized for high-resolution, multi-touch iOS device displays, and states a version customized for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad tablet will be available for download next month. The broadcaster also promises versions of WatchESPN tailored for other smartphone and tablet operating systems, including Android.

Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Verizon FiOS TV together cover 18 million U.S. households. While WatchESPN spans most of the ESPN programming slate, including this weekend's Masters golf championship, Major League Baseball and the forthcoming NBA Playoffs, licensing restrictions will block certain telecasts from the WatchESPN service--most notably, ESPN will be unable to offer Monday Night Football to mobile device users. Verizon Wireless' (NYSE:VZ) signed a reported $720 million exclusive mobile media partnership with the National Football League in March 2010.

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