Disney hops on the iPad train with a big app push

LOS ANGELES -- Walt Disney Co. announced Thursday that it would offer applications for all its businesses on the iPad -- including TV shows, video games and interactive books.

About 20 ABC series will be available to iPad users through a Wi-Fi connection, said Disney, the parent company of ABC. The application will also allow iPad users to purchase downloads of episodes via the iTunes store.

Apple's latest device even figured prominently in Wednesday's episode of the ABC series "Modern Family" as a sought-after birthday gift for one of the characters. The iPad goes on sale at Apple stores Saturday.

Disney Publishing Worldwide also has built two original "Toy Story" read-along applications for the iPad, featuring video from the feature films, karaoke, voice record features and a feature that lets kids finger-paint on the screen.