CBS Interactive has released an official Star Trek PADD app for the iPad designed to provide fans with an interactive database of Star Trek information. Using an authentic reproduction of the LCARS style interface from Star Trek: The Next Generation, the PADD allows users to browse or search through an official database of the famous television series with information on aliens, ships, places, technologies and episode guides. The app provides authentic computer sound effects and voice from Star Trek: The Next Generation and allows users to read articles, access related information and read the latest news from the Star Trek Facebook and Twitter feeds. This initial release provides a limited set of information from the Star Trek Universe, with more database updates to follow in future versions.
This release of the official Star Trek PADD app follows legal threats by CBS earlier this year that attempted to force other independent iOS developers to remove LCARS themed apps from the App Store. claiming trademark infringement over the use of the word “PADD” and copyright on the LCARS interface—a move that many felt implied that CBS was in the process of developing their own app. Notably, DiagnosticPADD, one of the apps targeted by CBS legal, remains available on the App Store.
Star Trek PADD requires an iPad running iOS 4.3 or later and is available from the App Store for $5.