Rachel_Sandford
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BBC's catch up service, iPlayer, launched iPad and Android apps in February 2011. In July of the same year, they launched a global version of the app in 11 countries. According to reports, the UK app has been installed on 1.5m iPads and 1.2m Android devices.
“People love using BBC iPlayer on mobiles and tablets, and with 16.5 million programmes watched in October 2011 usage has more than doubled over the last year,” said Daniel Danker, general manager for programmes and on-demand. “With the new app audiences will enjoy catch up and live TV in a simple, easy-to-use mobile experience.”
The “new app” Danker is referring to is the just launched iPhone app for iPlayer, which updates the existing iPad version. Compatible with iOS 4.3 and up, the app introduces 3G streaming on all Apple devices, and those on iOS 5 will be able to stream content through Apple's AirPlay technology. Other features include the ability to “flick between channels” as well as a “background audio feature,” allowing radio listening while using other apps.
Apart from the new app, the BBC also announced the use of HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for the apps. This detects the strength of the viewers' WiFi or 3G connections, helping stream video correctly. The close collaboration between the Beeb and networks, which will be bearing the load of the streaming, is vital to this kind of service.
David Madden, executive product manager for BBC iPlayer on mobile, wrote: “We have worked closely with the network operators to introduce 3G streaming and create a great mobile experience so you can watch your favourite TV programme wherever you are or listen to the radio when you are out and about.
“3G streaming is enabled in the iPhone and iPad apps and will shortly (later this week) be coming to the mobile web version of BBC iPlayer for all supported devices.
“This is the first release of the BBC iPlayer app for iPhones and iPod touches and it will, of course, evolve and improve as we refine the interface and add features,” wrote Madden
A spokesperson for Orange showed support to the new apps by saying: “We are aware of the launch of the BBC iPlayer app, as announced today, and we are confident that our customers will enjoy using the updated access to BBC content that it offers.”
So far, neither the BBC nor network providers have revealed how much data will be consumed by watching a show over 3G. Most smartphone users have data plans of 500MB a month, but video streaming is heavy, and may require more data depending on usage.
An updated version of the Android app for iPlayer is set to launch next year, and the catch-up service is also gearing up to find itself on Xbox 360s as Microsoft turns their console into an all around entertainment device.
“People love using BBC iPlayer on mobiles and tablets, and with 16.5 million programmes watched in October 2011 usage has more than doubled over the last year,” said Daniel Danker, general manager for programmes and on-demand. “With the new app audiences will enjoy catch up and live TV in a simple, easy-to-use mobile experience.”
The “new app” Danker is referring to is the just launched iPhone app for iPlayer, which updates the existing iPad version. Compatible with iOS 4.3 and up, the app introduces 3G streaming on all Apple devices, and those on iOS 5 will be able to stream content through Apple's AirPlay technology. Other features include the ability to “flick between channels” as well as a “background audio feature,” allowing radio listening while using other apps.
Apart from the new app, the BBC also announced the use of HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for the apps. This detects the strength of the viewers' WiFi or 3G connections, helping stream video correctly. The close collaboration between the Beeb and networks, which will be bearing the load of the streaming, is vital to this kind of service.
David Madden, executive product manager for BBC iPlayer on mobile, wrote: “We have worked closely with the network operators to introduce 3G streaming and create a great mobile experience so you can watch your favourite TV programme wherever you are or listen to the radio when you are out and about.
“3G streaming is enabled in the iPhone and iPad apps and will shortly (later this week) be coming to the mobile web version of BBC iPlayer for all supported devices.
“This is the first release of the BBC iPlayer app for iPhones and iPod touches and it will, of course, evolve and improve as we refine the interface and add features,” wrote Madden
A spokesperson for Orange showed support to the new apps by saying: “We are aware of the launch of the BBC iPlayer app, as announced today, and we are confident that our customers will enjoy using the updated access to BBC content that it offers.”
So far, neither the BBC nor network providers have revealed how much data will be consumed by watching a show over 3G. Most smartphone users have data plans of 500MB a month, but video streaming is heavy, and may require more data depending on usage.
An updated version of the Android app for iPlayer is set to launch next year, and the catch-up service is also gearing up to find itself on Xbox 360s as Microsoft turns their console into an all around entertainment device.
