BBC to launch range of iPhone apps

UK broadcaster the BBC will launch iPhone apps for its news and sport content in the coming months and is also considering releasing an iPlayer app by the end of the year.

The free news app will launch in April, offering content from the BBC News website, including written stories and blogs as well as audio and video. The sports app, also free, will be released in time for the World Cup in June, with an initial focus on football. Content will come from the BBC Sport website and 5Live radio station, includong live commentary and scores. It will allow users to watch some events live on their iPhone. International versions of the apps, supported by advertising, are also planned. The BBC plans to follow the free apps with versions for BlackBerry and phones running Google’s Android software. Several unofficial apps already exist on Android handsets and the iPhone.

The BBC said it was also considering launching a dedicated iPlayer app by the end of the year.  The corporation has so far failed to release a specific app, despite the popularity of the service on other platforms, although it has already optimised the iPlayer website for use on iPhones.