The BBC has released a new version of its popular BBC iPlayer service that is now compatible with Google Android smartphones, although the iPlayer will only work on smartphones running Android 2.2.
Over the last few months I’ve been working with Adobe to bring their new Flash 10.1 streaming to BBC iPlayer on mobile on Google Android 2.2 (‘FroYo’) devices.
We’ve adapted the Flash based embedded media player (EMP) that you see right across the BBC website to work on the small screen and created a 400 kbps Flash stream to provide a really good playback experience.
Enhanced Viewing Experience
The iPlayer for Android will only work over WiFi and not 3G, which ensures that users get a stable and high-quality streaming experience without interruptions. This limitation is likely due to the higher bandwidth requirements of streaming video content, which can be challenging to maintain over 3G networks. By restricting usage to WiFi, the BBC aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience for its users.
To try out the new iPlayer, simply visit www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer from your browser on your Android device. The interface has been optimized for mobile screens, making it easy to navigate and find your favorite shows. The adaptation of the Flash-based embedded media player (EMP) to work on smaller screens is a significant achievement, ensuring that users can enjoy the same high-quality content on their mobile devices as they do on their desktops.
Technical Collaboration and Future Prospects
The collaboration between the BBC and Adobe to bring Flash 10.1 streaming to Android devices is a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance mobile media consumption. Flash 10.1 was a significant update at the time, offering improved performance and better support for mobile devices. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in the tech industry to push the boundaries of what is possible and deliver better services to users.
While the current version of the iPlayer is limited to Android 2.2 devices, it sets the stage for future updates that could expand compatibility to newer versions of Android and potentially other mobile platforms. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements in streaming quality, user interface, and overall performance.
For those interested in comparing the capabilities of different smartphones and mobile platforms, have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you. This comparison can help you make an informed decision about which device best suits your needs, especially if streaming media is a significant factor in your choice.
The release of the BBC iPlayer for Android 2.2 devices marks an important step in making high-quality streaming content more accessible to mobile users. The collaboration with Adobe and the focus on optimizing the user experience for mobile devices demonstrate the BBC’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As technology continues to advance, we can look forward to even more exciting developments in the world of mobile media consumption.
For more detailed information and updates, you can visit the BBC Internet Blog.
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