NFL

EA Sports releases free-to-play Madden NFL 25 for iPhone and iPad

Billed as "an experience 25 years in the making", Madden NFL 25 strives to deliver the most authentic NFL football experience to date on the iPhone, iPod and iPad devices. The game challenges players to build theirUltimate Team of NFL stars and run the show on offense and defense with new and improved touch controls, game modes and more.

And in embracing the freemium trend fully, EA Sports has made the decision to release the game on a free-to-play basis, with in-app purchases ranging from as little as 99 cents to as much as a whopping 99 dollars for an All Madden Bundle pack.

If you're a fan of professional American football this is a no-brainer as the game looks awesome and plays great. I've included a splashy teaser trailer and a couple additional tidbits right after the break...

Google reportedly eyeing rights to NFL games

The $99 Apple TV set-top box may be the most popular streaming device out there (not if you ask Roku), but Apple's got some catching up to do in terms of content availability. Figuring as much, the company's recently added WatchESPN and HBO Go streaming apps to the Apple TV's home screen. Moreover, we're now hearing that 24/7 Vevo music video streaming via the Apple TV could become a reality as early as later this week.

Apple's strides in the TV space don't resonate well with the Internet giant Google, whose Google TV platform is struggling to catch on with couch potatoes and cable-cutters. According to AllThingsD, this could change as Google's boss Larry Page today met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other execs...

NFL iOS app updated for the 2013-14 season, adds Verizon-only streaming

As first noted by AllThingsD, The National Football League has updated its iOS software for the upcoming NFL season. Among other changes, the official NFL Mobile 8.0 app boasts a revamped appearance, with stats and data updated for the 2013-14 season. As the new version now combines two previously standalone apps, one from the NFL itself and the other by Verizon, it comes with a premium streaming feature - but only if you're a Verizon iPhone owner.

Jailbreakers should proceed with caution as the new app isn't supported on jailbroken devices. If you're into professional American football, you're probably aware that the 2013 NFL regular season opens Thursday, September 5 (the Baltimore Ravens are playing against the Broncos in Denver). I've included more details about the new NFL Mobile 8.0 app after the break...