The Mobile Olympics

After a year of preparation, anticipation, and perspiration – at least, according to the last 12 months of headlines – the Olympics are actually finally here. And you'd better believe that brands, advertisers and app developers have taken notice. 

BBC Sport's Olympics app – which presents its live coverage, results and news stories in a neat Olympic-themed reskin – has been downloaded more than 500,000 times, as of today. The app, which available for Android, iOS and BlackBerry, only launched two weeks ago – not bad going by the Beeb.

The Weather Channel, meanwhile, will be offering hyper-local weather forecasts for the 36 Olympic venues, using its TruPoint technology, on its mobile site and app. The short-term forecasts, which show the next 6 hours in 15 minute increments, accompany a schedule of events at each venue so users can plan accordingly.

Moshen is releasing three apps in partnership with four-time Olympic gold medal winning sprinter Michael Johnson. The first two have been released – child-orientated game Fun Run, and Motiv8, an app designed for walkers, joggers, and runners, with a warm-up guide and songs and phrases triggered during key parts of the run.

And finally - at least for now - Samsung has partnered with Fingi to launch an end-to-end solution for the Holiday Inn Stratford, situated next to the Olympic Park. Using the solution, the hotel can offer its residents a customised Android app which can be used for a wide range of services including the ability to check in and out, order room service, and remotely control TV, lighting and air conditioning in their room - as well the obligatory Olympics updates and results.