UK iPhone owners finally have a native BBC iPlayer app, which is capable of supporting streaming over 3G networks.
The BBC today announced the BBC iPlayer for iPhone app which will sit alongside an updated iPad app, both of which support AirPlay so you can stream iPlayer content from your iOS device to your TV via the Apple TV if you are running iOS 5.
But it's the 3G streaming support that will capture most attention. "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," said Executive Product Manager for BBC iPlayer on mobile David Madden.
"3G streaming is enabled in the iPhone and iPad apps and will shortly be coming to the mobile web version of BBC iPlayer for all supported devices," he continued.
The free app is available to download in the App Store now and is compatible with iPod touch or iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, running iOS4.3 and up.
The BBC revealed that there had been 1.5 million installs on iPad and 1.2 million installs on Android devices since the apps were launched in February 2011.
Madden said that there was still some work to do before the Android version would support streaming over 3G networks.
"We have got a bit more work to do to improve the video playback experience and add 3G streaming and we will be releasing an update to the BBC iPlayer Android app in the new year. For the time being the Android app will carry on working with Wi-Fi connection only," he said.
Last week, the BBC announced an international version of the iPlayer iPhone app for audiences outside the UK, which is free to download but comes with a monthly subscription of €6.99 (£6.15) per month or an annual cost of €49.99 (£44).
Contact Us
Digg
It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.
Comments received
treadmill said on Tue, 13 Dec 2011
About time too!
Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Macworld. Macworld accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content.
Click here to read the house rules.
Click here for the latest reader comments