Are you looking for some new sports and apps to become addicted to for the duration of the summer? With the two dominant winter codes of AFL and NRL in the early stages of their offseason, it's time for Australian sports fans to focus their attention on other sports being played both nationally and internationally.
Here are our top five sports-related apps to keep sports fans occupied and up-to-date throughout the summer months.
1 – 2013 NBA Game Time
NBA is fast becoming a must-follow league in Australia. If you're a new Miami Heat fan, a Laker from way back when, or just jumping on one of the hotter young teams like the Clippers or Thunder, then this app is for you. NBA Game Time gives users on-demand scores, stats and news, so you can track your team while you're at work, home or at the beach.
Additionally, the Game Time app integrates with NBA League Pass, giving subscribers live and on-demand access to all NBA action, both regular season and playoffs. Admittedly, the app is better if you're a League Pass subscriber, but it offers great features without the subscription as well.
2 – ESPN FC
The ESPN FC app is a one-stop app that gives news and scores on most major soccer leagues and competitions from around the globe. Whether you're a Messi-loving Barca fan or a lover of the nouveau riche super teams like Manchester City or Paris St-Germain, ESPN FC provides soccer fans with the most comprehensive news, scores and stats updates that you can find via mobile.
A must-have app for any true fan.
3 – CricketLive
Endorsed by Cricket Australia, the CricketLive app is great for cricket fans. It provides coverage of the Vodafone Test Series, ODIs, T20s and the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League. The app offers great features like live score checks, full match schedules from all tournaments and international player stats for all the cricket purists. (Note: Fans may also be interested in the Big Bash only app; KFC T20 Big Bash League)
4 – NFL Int'l '12
Some people may prefer the ESPN ScoreCenter app for their NFL scores, but this app offers much more content. It has a full layout of both team and individual stats from each game, as well as score alerts, photos and video highlights.
Similar to the NBA app above, NFL Int'l '12 can link into NFL Game Pass, which is a wonderful way to sneakily watch Sunday Night Football or catch the Monday night game at work. (Note: Don't let the boss catch you chewing through the Wi-Fi data!)
5 – SportsMate Mobile – A-League App
If you're a fan of SportsMate Mobile's AFL and NRL offerings, then you'll love their A-League app. Unlike the Official A-League app that is buggier than Internet Explorer, SportsMate's offering is as slick an app as there s in the App Store. It features great match-day scores and stats, as well as up-to-the-minute Twitter feeds, news section and stats leaders. This app really is a great hand-held companion to check during play.
Honorable mention – MLB.com At Bat
While this isn't technically going to be a summer app essential, MLB.com At Bat offers good value for Major League Baseball fans. MLB are offering free trials of At Bat '12 (including live postseason play) courtesy of major sponsor Ford. While this may not be available in Austrlia, it's worth noting from a fan activation point of view, as it's effective activation from both Ford and the MLB.
