BBC iPlayer Radio is now available for Android devices

BBC has finally released its iPlayer Radio Android App, to match the iOS version, enabling radio listeners to stream stations live, as well as to access podcasts and on-demand shows.

The Android version is free to download and use, providing live streaming radio from the BBC’s stations, a programme guide, and access to on-demand shows from the last seven days. Podcasts, video clips and an alarm-clock function are also included.

BBC’s Executive Producer for Mobile James Simcock says the Android version is an improvement on the iOS app. 

Improvements include navigational tweaks – such as swiping sideways to browse available shows from the currently-selected radio station, rather than popping up a carousel. The new app also supports Android’s notifications panel, and can share programme URLs, artist and track names more easily with other applications.

iPlayer’s radio features are increasingly popular across all platforms. The BBC’s monthly performance pack for March 2013 showed 72 million requests for radio programs, up 7% month-on-month, with 83% of that live listening. Of those 72 million requests in March, 10% came from mobile devices, while 4% came from tablets.