Live TV Is Now Available For Free On Apple Devices

Broadcast networks are extremely touchy when it comes to allowing access to their shows via mobile devices. This is definitely true when it comes to the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad. Sure, you can pay to watch some network programs using Hulu Plus or through Netflix. Most of ABC’s programming is available through its website or free ABC Player app. You can download paid programs from the iTunes store too. However, for the most part, there is a limit to which programs you get to watch on Apple’s device, and in most instances there is a cost. Enter FilmOn which hopes to change how we watch broadcast television on the iPad. By visiting http://filmon.com via Mobile Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you can watch live television from select broadcast stations. Included are Los Angeles feeds for ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. In addition, you’ll see CNN International, Bloomberg and Sky News, just to name a few. According to All Things Digital:

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how Apple plays this. Steve Jobs has big plans for the TV business, but they generally involve working with the networks and studios so that they can charge money for their shows on his devices. On the other hand, since FilmOn is getting to the iPad over the free Web, instead of an Apple-approved app, I’m not sure how Jobs could stop the transmission. Even if he wants to.

The networks are suing FilmOn, claiming that providing this type of broadcasting is illegal. For right now, the site remains up. While I had no problems using this service using my iPhone, I did not have the same luck on my iPad. Using the same Wi-Fi connection, I was unable to view any programming on Apple's larger device. Let us know how you like using FilmOn.com. Plus, please let us know if you experienced any problems using the service. Leave your comments below.

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