³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android App Update
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The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app has achieved 1.3 million installs since it was . Today we are releasing a new version of the app. This new version includes streaming over 3G networks and an updated Adobe Flash player, for improved playback.
3G Streaming
We have worked with the network operators to introduce 3G streaming to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer apps so you can watch your favourite TV programme wherever you are or listen to the radio when you are out and about.
Today's update to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app includes 3G streaming for both live and catch up TV and radio programmes and works across all UK mobile networks.
The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer apps are a free service.
However, do be aware that your operator may charge you for the amount of 3G data you use. If you are unsure how much 3G data costs on your tariff, contact your network operator.
We currently redirect Android 3 tablets from the app to a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer mobile website that is optimised for the larger screen size. We have some more work to do on the mobile website to offer 3G streaming to Android 3 tablets and, for the time being, the mobile web experience on Android 3 will remain a Wi-Fi only service.
Updated Media Player
We have had a lot of feedback and comments on the video quality of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app. As a result of your comments a great deal of work has been done to improve the playback experience and this update includes an updated Adobe Flash player.
The app will, of course, evolve and improve as we refine the interface and add features.
The team would really welcome your comments and feedback on the app. When we Tweet about iPlayer we use a hashtag, so if you would like to use this too, that would be great.
I am always keen to know what you think and would love to hear from you.
David Madden is Executive Product Manager for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer on mobile
Update; 6.30 p.m.
Some people have asked why the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app asks for permission to access your phone's Network communication, Phone calls and System tools.
These are standard Android app permissions that are defined by the Google Android platform. The 3 permissions the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app asks to use are:
Network Communication - full internet access.
Granting this permission provides the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app with access to the internet so it can play programmes.
Phone Calls - read phone state and identity.
Granting this permission provides the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app with phone communication status and notifies the application if the phone rings or a phone call is in progress. We use this to ensure that the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer app pauses if you receive a phone call while watching a programme. The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app does not access or store any personal information, phone numbers or IMEI numbers.
System tools - preventing phone from sleeping, retrieve running applications.
Granting this permission provides the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer Android app with the ability to prevent the phone going to sleep when you are watching a programme.
Thanks.
