BBC Releases iPlayer for iPhone Application

No more WiFi-only streaming for iPhone users.

The BBC has finally released its iPlayer application that allows iPhone users in the UK to enjoy the Beeb's popular web app straight from their Apple smartphone. The news comes roughly a week after BBC Worldwide announced the arrival of the Global BBC iPlayer trial service on iPhone and iPod Touch.

Available for free from the App Store, the iPlayer app gives access to all of the BBC's national TV channels and radio stations while you're on the move, allowing you to stream content via a 3G network connection. It also has a live channel switcher that offers easy and quick navigation through channels. The BBC's David Madden says the broadcaster has also worked to ensure smooth playback for mobile streaming depending on your network speeds.

"We have also done a lot of work to improve the playback experience on portable devices and have rolled out HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) video infrastructure for the apps, which uses adaptive bitrate technologies," he explained. "This enables us to detect the strength of your Wi-Fi or 3G connection and serve the appropriate video quality. If you have low internet signal strength then the video stream will adapt down to suit your connection speed; if you move onto a stronger signal then the video stream will automatically improve in quality. The idea is to give you the best possible experience wherever you are."

This new version of iPlayer is only compatible with iPod touch or iPhone 3GS and up, running iOS4.3 or higher. Users with older devices will be stuck using the WiFi-only web browser version of the player.