14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has launched a new, free application for United States customers enabling them to watch iAd campaigns from some of the world's best brands and their advertising agencies, on demand.
Instead of just waiting for an ad to roll whenever they fire up an ad-supported app, U.S. residents carrying around an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad can now download the free iAd Gallery application and watch the ads they want, when they want, all the time.
Apple doesn’t note this in the official iTunes description, but iAd Gallery is basically a dedicated interface for those who simply love to watch ads.
“Great ads. On-demand. In your pocket. The iAd Gallery is a celebration of advertising, featuring iAd campaigns from some of the world's best brands and their advertising agencies,” reads the official description of Apple’s iAd Gallery app.
“The iAd Gallery gives you easy access to a selection of the fun and informative ads that have run in some of your favorite apps,” Apple continues.
“Use the Browse feature to discover ads you haven't seen, or to find those you want to see again. Even lets you tag your favorites to a Loved section that’s all your own.”
Weighing in on some of the key features presented by iAd Gallery, Apple informs that the app is updated regularly to include a selection of the latest ads running on the iAd Network.
It lets users explore content by spinning the wheel of iAd banners, as well as to search ads by advertiser, category or ad feature.
Those who get immersed in the ads they’ve watched can continue the experience by choosing to learn more information about the featured ads, including the advertising agencies behind them.
Users can place ads in their Loved section and easily access them at any time. Apple fails to specify whether Loved ads can also be watched offline (as in, stored locally).
Finally, the app itself contains a bunch of information on the iAd Network. This is also just a tap away in the More section, Apple says.
Interestingly, Apple outlines that iAd Gallery requires at least iOS 4.2.6 to run, this being the latest iOS version targeting CDMA iPhone 4 units.
The GSM iPhone 4, the iPod touch, and the iPad (including the iPad 2) are all at version 4.3.1 - also supported by iAd Gallery.
In other words, those still stuck on iOS 4.2.1 will not be able to employ iAd Gallery on their handsets.