Do you want the short version or the long version? Short version: iPlayer is coming to Windows Phone.
Still here? Then here's the long version. The BBC today announced that Windows Phone would join iOS, Android and BlackBerry as the latest mobile operating system to support iPlayer, via a dedicated live tile.
That means you'll soon be able to watch catch-up and on-demand TV shows and films from Auntie Beeb on your Windows Phone phone, whether it's running Windows Phone 7.5 software -- like the Nokia Lumia 800 -- or Windows Phone 8 -- like the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8S.
It's not technically an app, but a shortcut that gets its own coloured square, or live tile, leading directly to the iPlayer online player. The launch date is yet to be confirmed.
iPlayer is already available on iOS, Android and even Blackberry, but
they've historically given Windows Phone the cold shoulder, with the
Beeb repeatedly denying Microsoft's OS the privilege.
It seems that the BBC has had a change of heart however, with iPlayer joining big names like Spotify, Twitter and WhatsApp in entering the Windows Phone world. Windows is still lagging a long way behind established app stores like Android's Google Play and Apple's App Store though.
Meanwhile Auntie's online player goes from strength to strength as it continues to expand to new platforms. Last year more than 2.5 million people per month watched or listened online by one device or another.
Is iPlayer enough to tempt to you to Windows Phone, or are there are still not enough big apps? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
Additional reporting by Jordan O'Brien.
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Comments 7
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anonymous 5 March, 2013 13:46
I've been with Windows phone long before your fart apps argument. It's not only apps that matter. I enjoyed my phone with the best navigational, best camera, super sensitive screen, solid engineering quality, windows office and fluid OS.
anonymous 5 March, 2013 13:48
Still waiting for an updated version of BBC iplayer to stream live on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. and my wife's Samsung galaxy Note 2 Tablet.
I think the BBC has forgotten about Samsungs flagship Tablets, as Sky have as well.
anonymous 5 March, 2013 15:28
"It's not technically an app, but a shortcut that gets its own coloured square, or live tile, leading directly to the iPlayer online player."
Which is pretty much what 90% of app launchers do.
Rich Trenholm 5 March, 2013 15:43
Anonymous #1, I agree totally with you - I said as much here http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/why-i-dont-want-an-iphone-any-more-50006257/
But when we're talking apps, Windows Phone is still behind.
anonymous 5 March, 2013 16:52
Errm so basically on Windows 8 it would be like finding the IPlayer website in metro IE10 and selecting pin to start screen. Mind you at least the BBC IPlayer always seem to work whatever the platform, Channel 4's 4OD never works on any platform I use.
KashAli 5 March, 2013 21:55
Too late moving to Samsung's Galaxy S4 now.
Roger Kelman 6 March, 2013 10:18
FINALLY :) I've been waiting (impatiently) since I got my Lumia 800. So glad it'll work on Mango