NBA still using iPads to help coaches and players review game day footage

A recent Wall Street Journal report claimed Samsung has signed a lucrative deal with the NBA that would bring its TVs and tablet devices court side. People interpreted this to mean the iPad had lost favor among the professional basketball league, but that may not necessarily be the case.

A followup report from Bloomberg suggests the NBA is partnering with Sportstec to improve instant replays technology. Sportstech has created an app that allows coaches and players to quickly edit and review basketball game footage on iOS devices. The turn around time on these edits is fast, allowing coaches to review plays from the game during the half-time break. Players can use it to review their game performance and make changes for upcoming games. The technology is being used by 28 of the 30 NBA teams, the only holdouts are the Pacers and the Mavericks, which are owned by Mark Cuban.

You can read more about the technology on Sportec’s website and watch this Bloomberg video for a quick overview.

Notable New iPad Apps: NFL Quarterback 13

NFL Quarterback 13 is this year’s new version of this fun game that lets you try your hand at being a QB. It’s published by Full Fat Games, makers of a number of excellent ‘flick’ games – like Flick Golf Extreme and NFL Kicker.

Here’s a little bit of the game’s App Store intro and some of its key features:

The most precise, yet easy to use controls ever seen in a football game. Giving you ultimate power with Full Fat’s unique and award winning flick and after-touch controls, developed by the same team that brought you Flick Golf, Agent Dash and NFL Kicker.
Multiple Receivers
Tackling on Receivers and QB
All new uniforms and equipment
Realistic receiver routes
Weather effects
Upgrade your stadium
Compete with Game Center & Facebook friends
Super high resolution graphics
All 32 official NFL teams

I did a review of NFL Flick Quarterback HD for iPad, the original version of this game and was very impressed with it:

NFL Flick Quarterback HD is another touchdown for Full Fat Games. It’s fun and intuitive to play, but challenging enough to keep you coming back for lots of replays in each of its modes.

I’m looking forward to playing NFL Quarterback 13 and seeing how the new features added this year work. I have to admit the release time for this game seems a bit odd – with just over a week left in this NFL season. It seems like maybe an early to mid season release would be better timed.

Here’s an App Store link for NFL Quarterback 13; it’s priced at $1.99.