Wi-fi required for playback, 3G connection presumed inadequate for streaming
The long-awaited iPlayer app is due for UK launch on iPad this Thursday, according to theTwitter account of a Beeb online engineer.
Owner of the account, Geoff Marshall said: “3G connection is browse only. Browse and playback requires Wi-fi.” Mobile playback might be possible on the upcoming iPad 2, if the tablet uses 4G tech.
It is unclear whether the app will allow users to download content for playback later, like the current desktop program does.
Subsequent Tweets revealed a US launch is planned for June, where the BBC will charge a subscription.
No word when iPlayer will reach the iPhone or iPod touch. Last month reports indicatedwe’d see the apps released together.
It is also rumoured that the BBC will take the on-demand service to Freeview, Freesat and Xbox 360 this year. Until now, iPlayer had only been available on the Nintendo Wii.