Been itching for a proper iPlayer app for your iPhone or iPad to catch up with your favourite BBC shows? It looks like your prayers could be answered by the end of February.
The Beeb originally announced plans to create these apps nearly a year ago, although it took another six months to get the go-ahead from its BBC Trust. Now, industry site PaidContent UK is reporting the iOS apps will finally be out by the end of February. Handy timing, because that's when the executive in charge of them -- Erik Huggers -- leaves for a new job at Intel.
We don't know much about the iPlayer apps, other than that they'll only be available in the UK, and are likely to offer streaming shows up to a week after they've aired. The iPhone version was first mooted by Huggers at Mobile World Congress last year, and at the time, he suggested that Android, BlackBerry and Symbian versions were also on the agenda.
Is iPlayer on iPhone and iPad a big deal? Well, it is already on them. Go to the iPlayer website in your Safari browser, and you'll find a slick mobile Web version that streams shows using the QuickTime video format. In December, 5.8 million programmes were requested from iPlayer via mobile phones, according to the BBC's own stats.
It's valid to wonder how an app would improve on that: the ability to cache TV shows Spotify-style would be very handy, but is unlikely. Perhaps the apps will be more about building features around the content, such as more social-network integration and easy access to your favourites. Push notifications when a new show is available from a series you like would also be useful.
Let us know what features you'd want from an iPlayer app in the comments below.
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Anonymous 27 January, 2011 12:09
The release of the original iplayer website was delayed by the BBC trust untill the website was scripted to work on all commonly used platfroms (microsoft, mac, linux, internet explorer, safari, firefox, opera). I'm hoping they dont just scrap this concept and release only an iPhone version. They should release an andorid version on the same day.
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 12:21
As portable devices, the ability to download programmes to view later is surely a must.
Wi-fi on trains, planes and in the garden in summer is just not strong enough to stream programmes.
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 12:29
the other problem is that the Safari version is buggy and often pauses. I'm hoping the app will be more reliable when it's launched.
Amusicsite 27 January, 2011 12:44
Hope the android version comes soon
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 12:51
A further development of the 'favourites' function perhaps - maybe notifications when new content is available? Offline viewing would be great, surely the iPhone can support time-limited DRM content? I'd really love a Push video mechanism, much like subscribing to a podcast. Put uncapped data plans to use!
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 14:09
It would be great if you could download as well as stream content. I'd like to watch the shows on the train!
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 14:34
Downloading content to the iOS library would certainly be a plus, but obviously DRM would be a challenge to get right.
Anonymous 27 January, 2011 15:00
I own a HTC Desire 2.2 and I have no problems with BBC iplayer through the web browser. Thanks to Adobe an app isn't needed both over wi-fi or 3G. So I don't think I'll be changing from Android and using a restrictive iPhone.
anonymous 27 January, 2011 15:45
@anonymous7 its all well and good for you, you have android 2.2 what about us users who are still stuck on 2.1 just because you have flash on your version doesnt mean we deserve an app?? and its not another iphone vs android contest both devices are good but hopefully now android is gaining more market share companies like the beeb will develop apps for it at the same time,
Anonymous 8 February, 2011 15:03
Best be free. Just saying.