As we wait in anticipation for the details from the iPad2 launch later tonight, there is news that the BBC will launch an international edition of the wondrous iPlayer for the iPad App. See my Thumbs up for the iPlayer for the iPad. I gather I am not alone in my love affair with this App. Mark Thompson (BBC’s DG) said that growth of the use of the iPlayer on the iPad and smartphones outstripped PC use since the App was launched.
But, so far, you can only use the iPlayer App in the UK. There is a huge audience waiting overseas from expats through to travellers (like me) wanting to experience their BBC TV and Radio via Holway’s Martini Moment “Anytime, Anyplace and on Any Device”. Thompson has announced that an international iPlayer app will be made available before the year is out for “less than $10 pm”. Interestingly, even if it was the max $10pm, that’s only £73 a year and about half the BBC licence fee in the UK! Mind you, this is all extra revenue for the BBC.
Of course, it is not just current programming that will be available. The BBC is constantly increasing the archive material available. This week it announced that the last 500 episodes of Desert Island Discs would be available. Another of my favourite programmes – if only I can find the time to listen to it!
I have a feeling the BBC will have another hit on their hands – certainly in the Holway household. The current App is currently #1 in Apple’s charts.