On-demand highlights and news available even without cable subscription
What some would call a long-overdue update to the WatchESPN app has finally arrived, and it seems to have been worth the wait. While the previous version was certainly functional, it was far from attractive or a joy to use. The new version takes things to the next level, with a completely redesigned interface. You now have a new main interface with simple lists and sliding tabs to choose between live TV and other on-demand programming, as well as a new slide-in drawer.
You’ll use that left drawer to switch between content on specific sports or channels, separated first by “featured” and then alphabetically and by channel. Streaming seems to kick in faster in our experience, and the app even properly hides all navigation elements to put the video in completely full screen on the Nexus 5 — a nice touch.
A little bonus for anyone who doesn’t have a cable subscription (or a supported provider) is that news and on-demand highlights are now available for anyone without signing in now. The app also includes a fix to show Monday Night Football on tablets. Sadly there’s still no Chromecast option (the redesign had our hopes up), but this update has a whole lot going for it already.