Universal Studios Home Entertainment announced a plan to deliver an extensive array of iPhone and iPod touch-enabled BD-Live features on its upcoming Blu-ray releases that can be accessed via companion applications from the App Store free of charge.

The functionality will launch on Apple's App Store on 28 July 2009, coinciding with the 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray release of the box-office hit 'Fast & Furious.' iPhone and iPod touch users will have the ability to control interactive content on their Internet and Wi-Fi connected Blu-ray players for a more enhanced and unique experience.

Powered by BD-Live, the discs will utilise this interactive technology tied to its 'Virtual Car Garage' bonus feature. With iPhone or iPod touch in-hand, Blu-ray viewers can use their devices' touch screens to control 360-degree views of the movie's supercharged street-racers and instantly punch up exclusive technical specs for the film's high-tech cars.

Later this year on select Universal releases, consumers will also be able to access bonus content found on their Blu-ray disc and download it into their iPhone or iPod touch to watch features on-the-go; use the devices as a virtual remote to control their Blu-ray disc features; and/or access additional detailed information about the film, its cast and more while watching the movie. Releases will also integrate with social network applications or sites such as Facebook and Twitter to allow users to update their friends about movie-related activities.

Story filed 20.07.09