Zattoo - App Review

 

Just imagine having access to lots of 'live' television channels which you can watch anywhere (provided you are connected to the Internet). Zattoo offers exactly this, the exact number and variety of channels varying depending on where you are at the time. This is not some cheap (and illegal) screen copy of a channel; it is a fully licensed product, hence the channel limitation, dependent on geography, due to licensing agreements.

 

An additional plus for Zattoo is that they 'record' all the programmes on all the channels for 30 days. So if you have missed an episode of your favourite soap, or someone mentions an interesting programme you want to watch, there is no problem. Zattoo also features a fully searchable channel listing, covering live, recorded and upcoming programmes.

 

By using Apple TV, you can watch programmes on a full size screen, even though they are only being received on your iPhone/iPad.

 

Apart from the iOS App, there is also a PC version and a browser version. I would suggest trying the free version and then upgrade, if necessary.

 

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
The iOS version features the available channels as text down the left hand side of the screen and vignettes of the actual content on the main area to the right (or at least as many as fit in until you scroll down). This is actually superior to a conventional television; think of it as multiple PIP (Picture in Picture). As the content is streamed, the quality can suffer from occasional pixellation.

Cost
The paid version costs as much for an annual subscription as about a month of cable channels; excellent value.

Indispensability
You can obviously live without this App but, it does come in handy on occasions, and certainly avoids the need for trailing wires if you want to watch television outside.

Dependability
Your Internet connection needs to be sufficiently good to get a stable image; that said, the service is reliable, although you do need to check what channels are available in your country.

Security
Apart from someone knowing what television channel you watch, there is no obvious security threat. When you register, you do need to give an email address and set up a password; the usual advice on being careful applies.



ACIDS Test Rating:

 Very good App but slightly flawed

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

 

You can get Zattoo here and the iPad App here.