With so many innovative advances happening in the sports media world, expect this feature to pop up periodically to keep you updated on the happenings in the tech corner of the industry.
* Bleacher Report has made a significant push since being acquired by Turner Sports. Their biggest splash to date has been the recent addition of former CBS Sports NFL columnist Mike Freeman, as first reported by Awful Announcing. You can also add former NFL defensive back and Chicago Tribune contributor Matt Bowen to the list. Bowen earlier announced the news on his Twitter page and it'll be made official today. Both Bowen and Freeman will serve as columnists and video contributors.
Later today b/r will also announce several new initiatives for the upcoming NFL season on the technology and content fronts. The company will push more resources to signature video franchises out of their New York studio, planning 40 original episodes of NFL content each week throughout the season. With mainstream portals like FoxSports.com pushing more towards video content, it's worth watching to see if other outlets will be trending that direction in the near future.
Perhaps the most significant upgrade will be a new Fantasy Football stream through b/r's Team Stream app. If you're unfamiliar with the product, that's the one heavily promoted by the likes of Marv Albert and Ernie Johnson during Turner Sports events. Users will now be able to create a unique, personalized stream of their fantasy football players featuring real-time information, stats and updates through Team Stream.
* Not to be outdone, WatchESPN is receiving a significant update of its own. Last week ESPN announced a major upgrade for the popular app. Among the enhancements are a Live Toolbar on the iPad that features a live television guide, scores, and pregame and postgame information. All this will be available without needing to stop streaming video. ESPN on ABC events will also now be available through the app to all consumers.
* NBC kicked off their EPL coverage with much acclaim this weekend, but perhaps the single best element comes through their live streaming platforms. NBC Sports Live Extra is breaking new ground by making every English Premier League game available live and online for the first time. On the opening day of the season this past Saturday, users streamed more than 4 million minutes of soccer through the platform. The peacock began live streaming through NBC Sports Live Extra this past April, jumping into the TV Everywhere game.
* While NBC and ESPN are moving forward on the TV Everywhere platform, Fox Sports is still in park. Original plans had called for the company to launch Fox Sports Go alongside Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2. However, the TV everywhere platform is being held back temporarily until it can be solidified to encompass Fox's national and regional affiliates. Fox told SB Nation's Steve Lepore the service will incorporate over 230 different feeds and will use a "one of a kind" authentication process. There is no current timetable for the Fox Sports Go launch.
