BBC iPlayer app now offers downloads for offline viewing
The latest version of BBC iPlayer app for Android has finally caught up to its iOS counterpart, and now offers content downloads for offline viewing. Building on its expanded device support in the last update first introduced on IOS in 2012, the iPlayer app will now let you download complete shows in either standard or high-definition, provided you’re on a device with Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean. This is because these devices are able to provide the appropriate level of protection for our programmes. According to BBC figures show this will mean 70% of Android app users with compatible devices will be able to use this functionality from today – and over the coming months they will be extending this to include new Android devices as well as some older ones.
Appearing in the Google Play Store on 5 September, and in the Amazon App Store soon after, the updated app allows downloading on the Amazon Kindle 8.9, the Asus Nexus 7, HTC One, the Google Nexus 4, the Samsung S2, S3 and S4 the Samsung galaxy Tab 2, Google Nexus 10 and the Sony Xperia Z.
The Amazon Kindle Fire 7 and Fire HD 7 won’t support the feature but according to BBC David Berlin, the issue will soon be resolved as they are currently working with Amazon for rectification. However, due to the unique characteristics of the Android platform, we can now enjoy the ability to download programs while doing other things, which isn’t currently possible on iOS devices – so no need to keep the screen awake.
There are also further improvements to the app for those Android handsets that are unfortunately not capable of the download functionality. Programmes are generally available for seven days after broadcast.
If you download the programme you then have up to 30 days to watch it before the licence expires. This is due to the rights associated with the programmes but programmes can be seen as many times as you like during this period. Remember BBC Webwite has a guide on where to find information about BBC programmes.
BBC iPlayer app now offers downloads for offline viewing.
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