Sure, you don't get the big screen or banging sound system, but watching movies on an iPad feels more intimate. But where do you find movies to watch? Jump into the iTunes store, skip over to Netflix and dance with Hulu? Not exactly efficient. Fanhattan for iPad points you exactly where you need to go and more.
What is it?
Fanhattan, Free, iPad. Let's get this straight, Fanhattan is not another movie and TV streaming service. At its core, Fanhattan is a movie and TV searching service that scours through Netflix, iTunes, Hulu Plus and the iPad's ABC app (with hopes of adding more services) and shows you where you can find the movie to watch. Once you click on the service, it'll launch that particular iPad app and that app will let you stream, buy, or rent the movie. Think of it as a guide for your iPad movie watching self.
What makes Fanhattan even better is that the interface is movie star gorgeous. It's like a more versatile cover flow because you can swipe up and down along with left and right. With Fanhattan, you can also watch movie trailers, see movie clips, find out more about the cast, movie details and even keep up with RottenTomatoes reviews.
It's essentially a home (er, iPad) movie watcher's dream app, it'll give you all you need to know about the movie and then once you tap watch for a particular service, sends you to that app to watch away.
Who's it good for?
People who like movies and TV. People who watch movies and TV on their iPad. People who use multiple streaming services. People who like swipey fun.
Why's it better than the alternatives?
Fanhattan is as close to a one stop shop for your streaming needs you'll find. All the other services focus on their own store and ignores everyone else, Fanhattan compiles them together, lets you know exactly what you need to know before you watch the movie (what's the movie about? is the trailer interesting? is the cast good?) and gives you a simple tap to fire up Netflix or iTunes or whatever.
How could it be even better?
The app needs to be faster, there's weird hiccups and stalls which kills the fluid interface. I'd actually like if it was to tie itself to IMDB for its movie info as well (like how it ties reviews with Rotten Tomatoes or MetaCritic). I know this isn't Fanhattan's goal, but I'd like to see movie trailers that are currently in theater too (if only to use the app more). Also, they need to add more streaming services.
Fanhattan | iTunes
We're always looking for cool apps—for iOS, Android, Windows Phone or whatever else—to feature as App of the Day. If you come across one you think we should take a look at, please let us know.
For more apps, check out our weekly app roundups for iPhone, iPad, and Android