4oD Windows 8 app out today, beats iPlayer and others
Windows 8 customers can download the video-on-demand app today, which Channel 4 says is a UK first.
Channel 4 is bringing its 4oD on-demand catch-up service to Windows 8, beating the likes of iPlayer and ITV Player onto Microsoft's new tile-based operating system.
The app likely won't offer anything that you don't already get in your browser, on your smart phone or tablet or via your Xbox 360, but is yet another platform upon which to enjoy the likes of Homeland or The Inbetweeners. It's available to download today from the Windows Store.
Channel 4 says the app is the first UK video on demand app to be developed for Windows 8, and also promises that older shows from the last 30 years like Father Ted will be archived on the app, for when there's no decent contemporary telly to watch.
The Telegraph reports that the new app was instigated by Microsoft, which is trying hard to get developers interested in making apps for its new software.
Windows 8 hasn't exactly enjoyed a barnstorming launch, and Microsoft's own-brand Windows 8 Surface tablet has been greeted with lukewarm reviews.
One criticism levelled at the colourful new software is that its app selection can't match that of Apple's iOS or Google's Android platform. On-demand video apps are an important part of any app store, so it's good to see at least one UK broadcaster has released a dedicated app.
Microsoft is also going to allow grown-up games with a 16+ PEGI rating onto its app store, a move that backtracks on its earlier position of keeping gory games off its virtual shop shelves. The Surface tablet meanwhile is headed into real-life shops at last, so those of you who frequent John Lewis can snap one up without having to buy online.
Will you use the 4oD Windows 8 app? Or is it easier to just find the service using your browser? What do you think of Windows 8? Have your say in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Image credit: The Telegraph