Super Bowl XLVI Tests App-titude

Even the most hyperactive, multi-tasking of Super Bowl XLVI fans will be put to the test this Sunday, juggling the host of sites and apps connected to the game.

Computer View:  NBC is finally making the game accessible live, on line to computer users in the U.S. Even more intriguing are the  "second screen" enhancements that will drive many users to have both the PC and their big screen TV on game watch,  simultaneously. Available at both www.NBCSports.com and www.NFL.com, the computer viewers will be offered additional camera angles, in-game highlights, statistics, and interactive feedback with some "DVR-style" control functionality. If you are planning on webbing-in, get there early in case your computer needs upgrading with Silverlight (video streaming) software.

Pads and Phones: Verizon has made an exclusive deal to stream  the game to mobile phones and tablets enabled with  Verizon wireless data service. Everybody else with a tab or smart phone is pretty much out of luck, unless you have a Slingbox app that's remotely  connecting to a Slingbox  device. (And the latter, in turn  must be  hardwired to a cable or satellite box tuned to the game.)  Cautionary note to  potential Verizon viewers -  unless you have a very deep bucket of unused data minutes, the cost of streaming the game to your phone/tablet will be redunkulous. But hopefully, the app will also connect you guys off the Verizon grid, on a Wi-Fi network (which costs nothing.)

Advertising Apps: If you don't  have the sound identifying Shazam app on your phone or tablet,  load it NOW. Originally created to identify songs with the push of a button, Shazam is now also becoming a  huge marketing tool for TV shows and their advertisers. Sampling the TV soundtrack when a Shazam icon pops up  on the screen quickly leads viewers' smartphones and tablets  to connected portals. And there you're treated to  special offers, deleted scenes, extended infomericals and more. 

 On Sunday, more than 50 percent of all Super Bowl commercials will be "Shazamable,"  said vp of ad sales Evan Krauss. You'll be able to access statistics, participate in polls, connect to Facebook and Twitter communities, buy NFL merch. Tag Toyota's spot for a chance to win two Camrys, or to Best  Buy's ad for a possible gift card. Sound like fun?

During the halftime show, Krauss shared, Bud Light and Shazam will unlock "exclusive musical content."  Madonna is the star of the Bridgestone Super Bowl Halftime Show  and has plenty to hawk (including a new album). Shazamsters  might also garner stuff relating to her special guests Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. (so revolutionary!)

Coke vs. Pepsi: The classic soda war  also will be going interactive during the game. Armed with evidence that 60 percent of Super Bowl viewers will be watching with a mobile device at the ready, Coca-Cola's two advertisments (costing $3.5 million a "pop") will direct viewers to a Facebook-hosted microsite at CokePolarBowl.com. There, you'll find two animated polar bears - one in a New York Giants scarf and the other sporting a New England Patriots wrap - reacting to the game in real time, interacting with users through Facebook and Twitter and showing off user-submitted content.  (While scaled to your device, the most immediate stuff will be piled onto computer screens.)

For its part, Pepsi will be hooked up with NBC and also social TV service GetGlue for more "exclusive" video content and offers of buy-one-get-one coupons.

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