Six Game-Changing World Cup Apps

With the World Cup upon us, the bar has already been raised in terms of technological accomplishments. More than in times past, viewers are utilizing the second-screen as a part of the quadrennial event, and various apps are a big part of that.

“The popularity of smartphones will make this year’s World Cup the most connected and interactive tournament ever,” said Tom Levey, Tech Evangelist at app performance company AppDynamic. “'Millions of football fans will be using apps to place bets, stream live matches or highlights, as well as share content with their friends via social networks.”

While gambling will take place primarily in the UK with apps like OddsChecker, there are many other connected device programs for use all other the globe.

The FIFA Official App

Available for Android and iOS, the official app for the 2014 Brazil World Cup provides users with team alerts, live blog coverage, a player voting competition and special games. Teams and players also receive exclusive profiles.

PiPsports

Described as the “top rated sports app in 80 countries,” PiPsports, developed in Singapore, allows soccer enthusiasts to capture game photos, and personalize them with information, skins, text, trivia and team statistics. The images can instantly be shared on social media with friends.

“PiPsports is like the Instagram for football, World Cup, and sports fans,” said former Australian professional footballer Lucas Neill.

Univision Deportes

The Univision Deportes app lets U.S. viewers to stream the first 56 games of the tournament for no cost whatsoever. It also offers game highlights and replays from different angles, as well as options for English and Spanish users. The app has been highly praised for its easy-to-use interface.

Goal.com

Goal.com, the “world's number one football website” with 530 reporters in more than 50 countries, has an app designed for several mobile and wearable devices, including Google Glass. Breaking news, live scores, commentaries, special notifications and more are provided to fans.

WatchESPN

If one subscribes to ESPN, this app can be utilized to live stream the games and all ESPN networks throughout a variety of different connected devices and smartphones, including game consoles and set-top boxes. It’s been setting record streaming numbers throughout the World Cup, and even crashed during the U.S.-Germany match as it provided the game to 1.7 million people.

SBS The World Game World Cup Edition

Australian soccer fans can get in on what’s happening with the World Game app for iOS and Android from the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation. All 64 matches are available, and important sequences can be replayed and re-watched from several camera positions.

Looking for more great apps? Check out The 10 Most Useful Connected Device Apps.

Author: Brian Cameron

Image credit: Shutterstock