The new ZDFmediathek app is now offering live streaming of its current affairs programmes heute and heute-journal on iPad, iPhone and Android.
According to the broadcaster, the Apple versions of the app have been an immediate success, reaching the number one position as most downloaded free app in the App store.
“With the mediathek app, the ZDF offers what it can do best: news and entertainment in moving pictures,” said ZDF editor-in-chief Peter Frey. “A society that becomes ever more mobile wants to be informed anytime, anywhere. The mediathek app from ZDF app is our response.”
The look and feel of the mobile versions of the ZDF-mediathek is the same as the online version. It also offers catch-up TV, highlights and recommendations from the main ZDF channel, as well as from the thematic channels, ZDFkultur, ZDFinfo and ZDFneo.
“Every month, millions of people access our content online and now we offer this in a mobile version as well, as it is only now we are mobile as well,” said Eckart Gaddum, ZDF’s chief editor, new media.
The mobile apps offer the complete catch-up TV offer, which has been available on the web since 2007, as well as live streams of news broadcasts. The apps are free in the iTunes Store or the Android Market.
The broadcaster is also working on more mobile apps, including ones for their sports and kids programming.
ZDF also aid it has improved its HbbTV connected TV offer, which “now offers better navigation with the remote control,” according to the release.
