Following my last blog, you will be forgiven for thinking that I have a huge BBC bias (my mother would be proud, as ITV was deemed the devil in our home during the 70's). However, I have to admit, the BBC iplayer radio app is genius. It has transformed my life!
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
I’m delighted that I can listen live to most BBC radio stations (including the digital only stations, 5 live extra, 6 music etc.) wherever and whenever I choose (and FREE within a wifi zone of course). I don't need a radio at home any more, and, it has the ability to launch into any radio station from the alarm, which means I don't even need one of those either!
Not to be all evangelical, but I will continue…It was a huge bonus to find that while on a recent holiday, I could lie on the beach (in 35 degree heat) and listen to uninterrupted coverage of the Ashes (Aggers, Boycott, Vaughan et al) all from my phone.
Its simplicity, the beautiful dial and its touch screen finesse make it the best App I have on my phone.
For international travellers it's also the modern way to keep in touch with world news - when once we used to search for BBC World on the TV, we now can access any BBC radio station to find out what's in the news, how bad the weather is back home and listen to our favourite sporting commentaries live, whilst enjoying our new surroundings.
Have you seen the light?
It was launched nearly a year ago (October 2012 for iOS and in April 2013 for Android devices) and it's hard to determine statistically how successful the launch has been. Figures from the BBC (published monthly) aggregate all radio listening across all channels and don't split out radio listening via the radio App, but with the success of the umbrella BBC iPlayer products (257 million BBC iPlayer requests in May) and radio's proportion of this increasing, suggests that it's not just me who's seen the light!
Download it now - it will change your life. But here’s a word of caution, remember that while listening you are in a public space - so sudden shrieks at wickets being taken or laughter at yet another Geoffrey Boycott jibe are to be restricted!
