The BBC has updated its iPhone and iPad app, allowing mobile downloads as an alternative to streaming for the first time.
Until now, programmes could only be downloaded to PCs and Macs for later viewing. The move opens up a new way for people to watch BBC content on the move.
Starting this week on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, users can download shows from BBC iPlayer over Wi-Fi in advance by adding them to a ‘download queue’.
Once downloaded, users can watch them any time within 30 days, without having to worry about patchy Wi-Fi signals, or losing signals on tube or plane journeys.
The new mobile downloads feature is initially available on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices running iOS 5.1 and the BBC said it would bring the feature to Android phones and tablets soon.
The public broadcaster said today’s launch builds on its strategy to move iPlayer beyond the PC and make more content available across mobile, tablet and internet connected TVs. In July, there were 30 million requests for BBC iPlayer TV programmes via a mobile or tablet, an increase of 142% year on year.
Daniel Danker, general manager, programmes and on-demand for the BBC says, “With mobile downloads for BBC iPlayer, you can now load up your mobile phone or tablet with hours and hours of BBC television programmes, then watch them on the road, on the tube, on a plane, without worrying about having an internet connection or running up a mobile data bill. Viewers have up to 30 days to begin watching a downloaded programme, so you can even fill up your device and take the BBC with you on holiday.”
