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Super Bowl XLVI Releases Free App for iPhone, Android

The sporting event of the year, the Super Bowl, releases a new version of its iPhone and Android app.

February 3, 2012

Billed as one of the biggest sports events on the planet with expensive, award-winning advertising that typically become part of pop culture, the Super Bowl is a big deal whether you're a fan of football or not. Now organizers have launched a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, which will allow you to tap into the excitement from the palm of your hand.

Interestingly, the app focuses more on the framework around the game rather than the game itself. It includes an interactive 3D map of Indianapolis, the location of the game, as well as the stadium itself, complete with searchable seating, and maps detailing exits, bathrooms and vendors.

But the truly robust features of the app come into play when you leave the virtual stadium and begin exploring the nearby shops, hotels and restaurants, all rendered in 3D.

This focus on the game's ancillary economy should come as no surprise to those familiar with the event. The actual game itself has become something of a sideshow. Want proof? Just go to the Super Bowl Web site where you'll see a front page of advertisements, sponsorships and promotions, but no clearly displayed listing of what teams are actually playing (it's the New York Giants versus the New England Patriots, by the way).

One particularly interesting feature is the app's Driving button. After playing around with the feature a bit, it seems this function is designed for people checking the app while in their car. One tap on the Driving button and the app's brightness dims, presumably to avoid outside glare.

The app was developed by UpNext, a relatively new company that specializes in high-definition 3D maps for mobile devices. If you want to sample how the app actually works before downloading it, you can check out this video demonstration. You can download the app for free for your iPhone on iTunes and for your Android device in the Android Market.

If you're not near your TV on Sunday, the game will be for the first time ever.

For more, see , as well as last-minute and