Apple TV Scores March Madness App Exclusive: Split-Screen Games

When the new NCAA March Madness Live app goes live Thursday, it will be available on more platforms than ever before. But only Apple TV users will get a coveted feature: the ability to watch two games at once.

Given the sheer volume of simultaneously played games during the tournament, which kicks off March 15, split-screen has been a long-awaited feature. While one game plays, Apple TV owners with pay-TV subscriptions can pull up a choice of other games and watch them side by side on TV. There’s even the capability of switching off on the audio feed.

“We believe Apple TV is the perfect platform to experiment with this and bring the two together in a shared environment,” said Lisa Estrin, senior UX lead, NCAA Digital, at a Los Angeles showcase for Apple TV apps hosted by Apple earlier this week. “We look forward to more collaboration in the future.”

The NCAA created the app together with TV partners Turner Sports and CBS Sports. In addition to Apple TV, the app will be available via Amazon Fire tablets, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Android handset, Android tablet, Windows handset, Windows desktop, Apple Watch, Roku players and Roku TV models.

Since launching four months ago, the new Apple TV has built up its arsenal of apps to 3,600. The device has also continued to refine its functionality, including the extension of its universal search feature to Disney and Fox-owned networks, as well as PBS.

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