BBC set to release iPhone, BlackBerry and Android apps

The BBC Trust has approved plans for the broadcaster to release smartphone apps, and the first app is to be offered immediately.

The BBC News iPhone app will be made available in iTunes on Friday, BBC future media and technology director Erik Huggers said in a blog post. Versions of the same app will be released for the BlackBerry and Android platforms "in addition to other devices" later this year, he added.

"We know that increasing numbers of you want to access BBC output on-the-go and the rapid growth of internet-connected mobiles and smartphones in the market means we can cost-effectively provide our content and services on these devices, and this is a really important way for us to deliver online services in the future," Huggers said.

In a separate statement, the BBC Trust explained that "the decision follows an assessment of the proposals, including the commissioning of independent research into the Apps market".

"The Trust decided to carry out an assessment of the plans following representations received from the industry earlier this year. The Trust's assessment looked at the BBC's plans in four areas: the potential impact of the proposed Apps, the financial implications, whether Apps would involve the BBC in a new area of untested activity, and the duration of the proposed Apps."