BBC iPlayer for iPhone has 3G streaming, still no downloads
The BBC iPlayer app has finally come to the iPhone, allowing you to catch up on your favourite shows or watch live TV or radio over Wi-Fi or a 3G network.
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The BBC iPlayer app is now available for the iPhone -- finally! -- allowing you to catch up on your favourite shows or watch programmes live. Better yet, you can now stream 3G networks so you never have to miss a moment of TV or radio.
We've had the iPlayer app on the iPad for a while now -- and a Flash-based app has been on Android for yonks -- but the iPhone version has been conspicuous by its absence. Thankfully, the iPhone version is at last available in the Apple App Store.
It's free to download and allows you to watch all your favourite shows that are available as on-demand programmes, as well as tune in to any of the Beeb's live channels. It'll work on the iPhone 3GS and above, as long as you're running iOS 4.3 and above.
Both the iPhone version and iPad version (which receives an update) are able to stream programmes over 3G networks so you can catch up on the latest EastEnders or the slightly less mind-numbing Frozen Planet when you're waiting for your bus.
Be careful though -- streaming video uses great gobs of data, so you'll quickly eat into your allowance. The app doesn't let you download shows over Wi-Fi and watch them later, so if you're planning on watching a lot of stuff on the go, consider switching over to one of the unlimited plans offered by Three. Tell them we sent you.
We took the app for a spin in the office earlier and were really pleased with it. Video was clear and consistent and the app's interface was easy and intuitive. You can add shows to your favourites so you can easily find the latest episode.
Auntie promises it's working hard on the Android app to add 3G streaming and will update it in the new year.
Head on over to the App Store now to grab the iPlayer app. Make sure to let us know what you think in the comments below or over on our Facebook page.