The BBC is rolling out its iPlayer app internationally, starting in Ireland. The global debut of BBC iPlayer Radio, available in the UK since 2012, will pitch it against the established TuneIn and Radioline apps.
BBC World Service in English, which has a global audience of 66m, will automatically display on a touchscreen dial when users outside the UK open the app for the first time.
It’s then possible to spin the dial to access additional BBC stations. The app can also be used to download podcasts for later listening.
“We hope that the app will be a destination on mobile homescreens for audiences around the world who want to explore the breadth of BBC radio, from news and current affairs to drama, comedy and music. This launch also comes at a time when the UK is at the centre of a huge news story which the BBC is helping to explain to audiences worldwide,” said James Montgomery, Digital Development Director, BBC News and Current Affairs.
The BBC iPlayer Radio app is freely available to download from the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon Store.
At launch, the BBC iPlayer Radio app supports iOS running 7.1 and above, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above and Amazon Kindle Fire 2012 and above.
After its rollout in Ireland it will gradually be made available in other countries.