BBC iPlayer now available for download on Android

The BBC has made programmes on its iPlayer catch-up service available for download to Android devices for the first time. 

The move means that viewers with Android tablets and smartphones will be able to download BBC TV shows and keep them on their devices for up to 30 days, or seven days after they have pressed play for the first time.

The updated iPlayer Android app is now available in the Google Play store and will be updated in the Amazon App Store in the next few days, according to David Berlin, senior product manager, TV and iPlayer mobile applications in BBC Future Media.

The new Android app will work across devices running the Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean versions of the operating system, covering about 70% of Android app users, according to the BBC. The app will be extended to some other Android devices in the future.

Download functionality is already available on iOS devices.