Review: i.TV v2.0

Overview

i.TV v1.6 was already one of the best film, DVD, and TV guides available in the App Store thanks to its countless number of handy features, but it's the little things that made it special, like the ability to manage your Netflix queue, purchase movie tickets, find local theaters, view previews, check entertainment news, and share all of this with your friends via email.  So what else could they possibly do to make this app even better? The slimmed down answer to that question is an entirely new interface, iTunes integration, push notifications, and remote controls, but let's dig a little deeper.

Features

The new interface has been streamlined and simplified based on feedback and usage data from current i.TV users.  Everything you need is just a tap or two away.  When you first select a TV show or film, the app will display an overview along with any other necessary information.  From there you can access even more details via a conveniently placed Details tab that will display more in-depth information such as credits, reviews, and even a gallery of images.  Unlike the previous i.TV interface, you can easily recognize how much, if any, content is available under each category via a badge, so you won't make any unnecessary taps. Right alongside the Details tab is the Watch tab.  The Watch tab gives you access to many of the new features and acts just like the Details tab, badges and all.  You can view related downloads via iTunes (a brand new feature), Netflix, or video streams.  Here you can also invite your friends to watch the same content with a built-in email client, or remind yourself via email as well. i.TV can also send you push notifications for upcoming TV shows.  A future update will bring the ability to send push notifications for other items you don't want to miss such as movies. You can also access soft remotes via the Watch tab, which is one of the more exciting new features.  Thanks to i.TV's new Remote Control Framework, you will never have to put your iPhone down, not even while watching TV.  Third-party developers will be able to create their own soft remotes thanks to this framework, and the first to do so is TiVo.  Now when you are sitting in front of your TV, browsing through i.TV trying to decide what to watch, you won't have to reach for another remote once you decide on something.  i.TV can take you straight to the built-in TiVo remote that will allow you to control all of your TiVo's settings from the device itself. This is merely the first remote for i.TV, however, the app should be gaining many more soft remotes in the near future from anyone and everyone that wants to support it.  The developers already have one set top box integration finished that they hope to push out very soon.  They are also working with a couple of hardware manufacturers and hope to make announcements before the end of the year about Bluetooth and 30-pin connector accessories integrated with the i.TV Remote Control Framework.  You will be able to see the new soft remote additions as they appear within the More tab.

The Breakdown

The Good

All of the new features arrive with a whole lot of good and a little bit of bad.  The new interface, however, basically contains zero bad.  It's leaps and bounds better than the previous version.  Users of i.TV v1.6 won't even know this is the same app.  The menus are crisp and clean, everything can be accessed in just a few taps, and it is extremely responsive.  It's only fair that I note my test device was an iPhone 3GS. The iTunes integration is also a handy edition, especially if you are an avid TV series purchaser via iTunes.  It's also great for shows and films that aren't even available yet on iTunes because you can still access related podcasts, music, and soundtracks. Push notifications are a blessing for nearly all apps that utilize them, and i.TV is no exception.  You will never miss another TV show just because you lost track of time, that is unless you lose your device.  You will be able to be notified of specific, upcoming shows or you can simply ask it to alert you any time a new episode will air.

The Bad

Push notifications are great, but the fact that they are only available for upcoming episodes of TV shows is kind of a letdown.  i.TV contains tons of other ways to access different kinds of media, like films, Netflix, and news, and I would like push notifications to work with them as well, which will happen in due time. The same goes for the soft remotes.  If you don't own a TiVo, this feature is completely worthless, at least for the time being.  It would be nice to be able to control my DishNetwork set-top box and DVR from the app, but apparently I will just have to be patient.

The Verdict

i.TV's new interface is worth the update alone.  Even if they chose not to include push notifications, iTunes integration, and remotes this would be worth an update, but of course that isn't the case.  Push notifications are the best thing since sliced bread and they are even better when utilized properly.  What better way to utilize push notifications is there than to notify you when your favorite TV show is about to air? i.TV has instantly become of my favorite media guide apps for my iPhone.  As long as the developers follow through with all of their promises, i.TV should be able to replace every single one of your film, DVD, and TV guide apps on your iPhone or iPod touch.