Sep 03

BBC iPlayer for iOS update coming with downloads and offline viewing, on Android soon

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BBC iPlayer for iOS update coming with downloads and offline viewing, on Android soon

The BBC has revealed that an update arriving Tuesday for its iPlayer app on iPhone and iPad will add the ability to download shows for viewing offline, instead of being streaming only. First reported by The Guardian, it will let those with paid up TV licenses load their phones and tablets with plenty of programming to view when and where (including abroad) they want, for up to 30 days or within 7 days of being watched. Those restriction will keep viewers from building up libraries they can truly keep with them indefinitely, and it should be noted that the app will only let users download shows over WiFi for now, not surprising when we remember how long it took to add 3G streaming. Also interesting is the Beeb’s decision not to charge extra for downloads, but we’ll have to wait and see if competitors like ITV follow suit. The app is not live in iTunes yet, but we’ll keep an eye out and let our UK based friends know when it’s available to download. That here in the US we’re (still) waiting for global iPlayer access hasn’t made us jealous at all.

Update: Version 2.0.0 is out, check the gallery for screenshots or the BBC’s blog post for a few more details and stats on how people are using iPlayer.

Gallery: BBC iPlayer for iPad and iPhone

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BBC iPlayer for iOS update coming with downloads and offline viewing, on Android soon originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 31

Flash for Android briefly returns to Google Play Store in UK, zombie-style

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Adobe Flash logoAdobe was last seen burying mobile Flash and moving on with its life. Like the stars of George Romero movies, however, Flash is back to walk amongst the living — if just temporarily. The developer tells the BBC that Flash for Android is back in the UK’s Google Play Store for a short while after “strategic partners” pushed it into action, including the British broadcaster. While the link isn’t explicitly confirmed, it’s strongly implied that the BBC and others want a little more time to wean Android apps like iPlayer off of their Flash dependency and toward web technologies like HTML5. Adobe is quashing any hopes of a permanent revival with a disclaimer that there’s no support for the download; any bugs will remain there forever. Those attached to their dearly departed plugin may still appreciate one last look before the code is once more put six feet under.

[Thanks, Kevin]

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Flash for Android briefly returns to Google Play Store in UK, zombie-style originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 02:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 29

BBC iPlayer adds radio support to Xbox app

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BBC iPlayer adds radio support to Xbox app

Well, they certainly made you wait for it, but the BBC has finally delivered on its promise, bringing radio support to its Xbox 360 app. When iPlayer launched on the console in March, patient customers were initially left without access to the national network’s vast catalog of audio programming. With today’s 22MB update that changes, but only so long as you’re sticking with archived materials. You’ll have access to the catch up feature, but no live streaming (so don’t expect to get your breaking news through your Xbox). You’ll also be able to pick up where you left off with previously accessed programs. If you’ve got an urge to find out about all the work that went into the UI design, hit up the source.

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BBC iPlayer adds radio support to Xbox app originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aug 20

BBC not bringing iPlayer or live streaming to Windows Phone, blames Microsoft

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BBC not bringing iPlayer to Windows Phone 8, blames Microsoft

Microsoft is getting brickbats from developers unenthused by its forthcoming operating system(s), and the BBC is the latest to join the chorus. When asked about bringing iPlayer to Windows Phone, the corporation’s on-demand honcho, Daniel Danker, responded by saying it’s not cost-or-time effective for the system — thanks to a lack of support for HTTP Live Streaming. Mr. Danker confirmed to us that HLS is not the proprietary format it’s believed to be, used on a wide variety of devices including Smart TVs and consoles — but is not included in Redmond’s mobile OS.

Live streaming is also impossible thanks to a “bug” in the software that can’t secure the session, breaking the corporation’s copy protection system which only affects mobile devices. Redmond’s known of the problem for some time, and is working on a solution, but has yet to make any official announcement otherwise. He told us that he’s optimistic that a solution might arrive, perhaps on October 26th, but until then, the corporation won’t even look at developing an app for any Windows-powered handset. After the break we’ve included the full text of the original email if you’d like to hear it from the source.

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BBC not bringing iPlayer or live streaming to Windows Phone, blames Microsoft originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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