One is not amused.
BBC iPlayer's popularity might have taken a knock as users are apparently not too impressed with its app, which only works over Wi-Fi.
According to The Guardian, the Beeb had planned a big press conference to unveil the iPlayer app, but the news leaked on Twitter and the event was cancelled, robbing Auntie's new GM of BBC programmes on demand, Daniel Danker, of his first positive announcement since he joined the corporation in September.
However, Danker confirmed in a blog post that the iPlayer app is rolling out for Android and iPads this week . Both apps need a Wi-Fi connection and let users catch up on shows as well as watch TV and listen to the radio live. Android phone owners will need Froyo and Flash 10.1 to run the iPlayer app and reports on Twitter say the app is now live.
Danker said: "So this is about getting the basics right, simple apps that makes best use of the portable touchscreen experience. We'll be looking to build in more features throughout the year."
However it seems that users are not content with the basics and have moaned that the app does not sit well with Auntie's aim to make iPlayer available to "as many devices and platforms as possible".
There are many messages from disgruntled people on the Bebb's message board attached to Danker's blog post.
One disappointed bloke wrote: "After such a long wait and no iPhone support? There is also no ability to download shows for later viewing. This is such an anti-climax," while another said:"Thanks for a huge letdown BBC. Why Android 2.2? Why Flash? There have been loads of unofficial iPlayer apps that didn't need either so why do you? Like someone else mentioned, your releasing iOS apps that don't/can't use flash so why does the Android app?"
Meanwhile, The Telegraph has reported that people using the app to watch live telly will probably be able to dodge the need for a pricey TV license, after the Beeb admitted it has skipped developing tracking technology.
Auntie has reportedly promised to prosecute anyone who takes advantage of live iPlayer without paying for a TV license but it is not clear how the Beeb will manage this as it has not updated its tech to detect license cheats using tablets, mobiles and computers.
A BBC TV licensing spokesperson reportedly said: "There is no separate enforcement strategy [to cover iPlayer consumption], we continue to focus our attention on the small minority of unlicensed addresses."
