Earlier today, we announced the iPad Edition of Clicker. As a result of the rapidly changing landscape of iPad compatible video, we’ll be continually reviewing new sources to add to the iPad version of Clicker.com. In the meantime, here’s a quick critique of how some high-profile sources have handled or ignored the iPad so far:
Available Now:
YouTube
The YouTube experience on the iPad is near-perfect due to the built-in YouTube app. In addition to YouTube embeds working perfectly, you can click on an external YouTube link on Clicker and the YouTube app will launch, bringing you to the correct video.
One downside we’ve noticed is that some of YouTube’s partnerships with content providers use a different video player, which doesn’t work right now. MSN (The Guild) and CBS Sports are examples. Hopefully those networks jump on board quickly to bring their YouTube experiences up to par.
Netflix
Simply download the free Netflix app and then browse Clicker to discover your Instant Watch options. Clicking on a Netflix link will then automatically open your application to the right movie.
To be brutally honest, Netflix is putting the broadcast and cable TV networks to shame in terms of iPad offerings. Their catalog of more than 14k TV episodes for the iPad includes shows like The Office and Rescue Me, which you can’t find anywhere for the iPad.
Speaking of Rescue Me, with this June’s premiere fast approaching, you might want to marathon all 74 episodes. With no FX or Hulu iPad support yet announced, we’ve got your only solution.
Note: Netflix’s catalogue only works if you subscribe to their service. For those of you who do not, you can easily use the source filters on your user profile page to turn off Netflix entirely.
White House
The government provides a great example of HTML5 in action, as streaming links play directly in the browser. We’ve regularly featured President Obama’s weekly address to highlight significant announcements, but technology behind it gives us plenty of reason to do so again.
Blip and Vimeo
These two homes for high quality web original programming have made sure their iPad coverage is top notch. With more than 30k web original shows and podcasts of all types listed on Clicker, we’re confident you’ll find a show or two to love. Our current favorite? Breadmaking tips. Yeah, that’s right.
CNN
Right now you can access some of their great weekly and nightly podcasts on the iPad. We’re hoping CNN ups their iPad-compatible content in the near future.
Given the lack of news anchors on the iPad, Anderson Cooper comes out the winner.
TED Talks
It was a stone cold lock that some of the smartest programming available online would make their videos iPad-compatible. While it’s not the complete set of Talks, iPad users can start getting their daily dose of brainfood immediately.
Next New Networks and Revision 3
The veterans of the group, Next New Networks and Revision 3 have been making their videos available in iPad friendly formats for years. With over 70 shows available for viewing combined, they have some of the highest quality web original programming available. Don’t believe me? Check out VendrTV’s cross country tour of street cuisine in bite sized episodes.
ESPN, Reuters, CNN Money, Time Magazine
Each of these sources has created a dedicated video player for the iPad that works with their newest videos. Some of the deep archives Clicker catalogs from their sites may not be compatible yet, but we’re confident they will be soon. The experience, much like video from The White House, is top notch. Check out Time Magazine’s 10 Questions for Alicia Keys for a great example.
Coming Soon (we hope!):
CBS
They have a great test setup, with clips and a single sample full episode of Survivor on their homepage in an html5 homepage. But one full episode?! Here’s hoping their plans are much, much bigger. Like making all of their TV shows available to stream in the browser via the new html5 player bigger.
ABC
By far the best video app experience available, but unlike YouTube and Netflix, we’re not able to able to link to Lost through the Safari browser. When the episodes offered are identical, why not put them on the web or link ABC.com to the ABC app? We’re so close here that some positive reinforcement might get the job done.
NBC
NBC merely redirects you to a mobile site with lower quality episodes broken up into parts. They have not gotten ‘iPad religion’ yet. But with the tech savvy crowd that follows their Thursday night lineup, it would be tough to believe that the Peacock wouldn’t get on board with full episodes soon. It’s only a matter of time before Tina Fey writes the iPad into her show anyway…
Vevo
Vevo says “App Coming Soon.” Good. The iPad could benefit from a better music video collection. You won’t go jogging with it, but there’s no doubt you’ll watch your favorite band on the couch.
New York Times, NPR
They’ve only built a homepage compatible player thus far, and have failed to include their deeper archive of quality programming. It has to be coming though as the New York Times in particular sure got a lot of press (they must have good contacts). If it’s going to save the newspaper, video will be the key.
We’d love your thoughts on the iPad Edition of Clicker. How does it work for you? Have you found more sites for us to activate? Give us a shout via email at: ipad@clicker.com or tweet us @clicker. We’re hoping to be your guide to Internet television wherever it goes… revolutionary devices included.
