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Digital
BBC iPlayer adds downloads for iPads and iPhones
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 4 September 2012
The BBC iPlayer will now let viewers download programmes to portable Apple devices for later viewing, meaning users can download content when in a wi-fi zone to watch when they are no longer connected to the net (or when they are relying on a mobile net connect with data costs or limitations).
The new service will also mean iPhone and iPad users can watch BBC programmes on their portable devices when outside the UK, where licensing rules mean viewers can’t stream content from the popular BBC player.
The iPlayer download service – which comes with time limitations (content works for 30 days after download, and only seven days after first viewing) – has always been available on desktop computers, but not portable devices. The new portable download option should be available to those using Android devices later this year too.
Daniel Danker, GM of On-demand Programmes at the Beeb said: “This fundamentally changes one of the most annoying restrictions about viewing programmes. It means audiences are liberated from the constraints [of online-only viewing] and it fundamentally changes what it means to go on holiday. With mobile downloads, you can now load up your mobile phone or tablet with hours and hours of BBC 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”.
