Star Trek PADD Comes to iPad (Updated)

CBS Interactive has created a new app for the iPad that recreates the classic look of all the displays and devices that were used in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager, and Deep Space Nine series. Called the PADD, it acts as a source for all things Trek Prime (so no Abrams 2.0) including characters, ships, places and more. It is available now at the iTunes store for $4.99. Below is the ad and press release for the new app. (via TrekMovie)

Update: TrekMovie.com has posted a review ("A fun application worth the $5") and demo here.

CBS INTERACTIVE LAUNCHES THE OFFICIAL "STAR TREK™ PADD APP" FOR iPAD
App Merges 24th Century Technology into 21st Century Mobile Device

SAN FRANCISCO – July 11, 2011 – CBS Interactive today announced the launch of the official STAR TREK PADD app, based on the iconic television franchise. The STAR TREK PADD (Personal Access Display Device) app provides fans with the ultimate mobile "Trekker" experience. The app features an authentic reproduction of the LCARS interface—the fictional computer operating system depicted in the STAR TREK television series—as well as a rich, interactive database of STAR TREK television series information, including images and an episode guide. The STAR TREK PADD app is now available for $4.99 in the App Store.

Developed in conjunction with CBS Mobile by app development studio ArcTouch, the STAR TREK PADD app transports fans back through the extensive 40-year history of the STAR TREK television franchise, including its amazing universe of characters, planets and technology spanning from STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES all the way to STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE. The app also includes a recognizable computer voice as well as familiar STAR TREK-related sounds.

"STAR TREK fans are passionately involved with all things STAR TREK. The STAR TREK PADD app lets die-hard fans and casual enthusiasts use the authentic LCARS interface to access the extensive official STAR TREK database, and easily connect with other Trekkers. We expect that the app will also introduce the show to a new generation of fans, leveraging 21st century technology to provide a glimpse into the 24th century," said Rob Gelick, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CBS Mobile.

The app includes the following features:
* A rich LCARS graphical interface that provides an authentic and immersive experience, complete with STAR TREK-related sound effects and prompts from a recognizable computer voice.
* An official database of STAR TREK information, including aliens, ships, places, and technologies as depicted in the STAR TREK television series, plus a detailed episode guide.
* The official STAR TREK Facebook fan page and Twitter feed integrated into the app to let fans catch up on the latest news and connect with other Trekkers.

“Back when the PADD first appeared on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, none of us imagined that today we’d be able to hold the real thing in our hands. But the STAR TREK PADD app, running on your iPad, is an actual miniature, handheld, touch-sensitive, 24th-century-style computer screen,” said Michael Okuda, who was in charge of computer interface design for the Starships Enterprise and co-authored the STAR TREK Encyclopedia along with wife Denise.

“We’re honored CBS chose us to develop the official STAR TREK PADD app," said Eric Shapiro, CEO of ArcTouch. "We’re true STAR TREK fans and were intensely focused on making this app both useful and fun, while maintaining authenticity and reproducing the LCARS design faithfully.”

The STAR TREK PADD app is now available for $4.99 from the iTunes App Store for the iPad in every one of the more than 120 international markets where the show’s five series are licensed.