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BBC launches iPad and Android iPlayer apps

The BBC has released iPad and Android iPlayer apps as part of its plans to deliver iPlayer content to a range of different devices.The apps — which allows streaming of BBC TV and radio content — include many of the features from the desktop version, such as series stacking, access to catch-up TV from the last seven days and live TV and radio streaming.
Written by Ben Woods, Contributor

The BBC has released iPad and Android iPlayer apps as part of its plans to deliver iPlayer content to a range of different devices.

The apps — which allows streaming of BBC TV and radio content — include many of the features from the desktop version, such as series stacking, access to catch-up TV from the last seven days and live TV and radio streaming.

Both the iPad and Android versions of the app will currently only allow streaming while connected to a Wi-Fi network rather than when connected over 3G.

The iPad version requires iOS 4.0 or higher, while the Android version is compatible with devices running Android 2.2 or newer. The BBC said in a blog post that it intends to add features to the apps throughout the year but that it would not be able to deliver it to all Android phones because of technical reasons.

"Our Flash streams need a powerful mobile phone processor and a Wi-Fi connection to ensure a smooth viewing experience, which means that only newer, more powerful Android 2.2 devices connected via Wi-Fi can support the Flash 10.1 streaming experience," Daniel Danker, general manager of future media and technology at the BBC wrote.

The HTML 5-based web version of the site is also accessible from Android and iOS devices and will allow playback over 3G as well as Wi-Fi.

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