• by John Capone , April 1, 2010

Readying its content for the first shipments of iPads this weekend, and seemingly envisioning the gadget as a true living room device, Disney is adding to and optimizing the assortment of Apps and Web sites for ABC, Disney and ESPN that it currently offers as well as creating the ABC Player app, which provides free ad-supported access to 20 of the network's most popular series, such as "Lost," "Dancing With The Stars" and "Brothers and Sisters," on the new device. In addition the app will provide direct access for iTunes store episode downloads.

Other Disney divisions are not left out of the iPad mix. Disney's publishing arm has created two original "Toy Story" read-along apps to take advantage of the iPad's functionality as a multimedia e-reader. The apps feature activities and games, video from the films, and the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. That app is free, but Disney Publishing Worldwide will also release a "Toy Story 2" that costs $8.99, but comes with a one-month subscription to disneydigitalbooks.com.

"The iPad provides a very compelling consumer experience, and we are pleased to have new forms of original, interactive content on this great device," Bob Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement.

ESPN, which has been a leader in the app space, is releasing ESPN ScoreCenter XL, which builds upon existing ScoreCenter apps for the iPhone and iPod touch (which has been downloaded 5 million times since launching in June). The upgrade will, of course, make use of the iPad's larger screen by offering live play-by-play and video highlights. Much of the functionality, such as on-demand stats, box scores and standings, of the app seems aimed at complementing a TV viewing experience where a fan is using the device while watching ESPN or a game on television.