BBC iPlayer On Nokia N96

Users of the Nokia N96 are to be the first with the ability to run the BBC's iPlayer on their mobile phones.

From 1 October a purpose-built application will be available to download via the BBC website and will also be pre-loaded on some handsets.


A Nokia N96 With iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer allows UK audiences to download and stream BBC TV and Radio programming from the past seven days.

A Nokia spokesman said the service would be 3G and wireless compatible and that Nokia would not charge to use it.

Erik Huggers, BBC Director of Future Media and Technology, said the deal was "critical" to reach out to as many people as possible.

In a statement he said: "Over the past eight months we have worked tirelessly to ensure BBC iPlayer is available on as many platforms as possible, from the PC and TV to games consoles and mobiles.

'Gateway to Quality'
"This partnership is critical to ensuring we continue to reach out to audiences wherever they are and allow them to catch-up on their favourite BBC programmes," added Mr Huggers.

Simon Ainslie, managing director at Nokia UK, said: "The Nokia N96 is going to provide a gateway to quality viewing on the move.

"The enormous success of iPlayer has demonstrated the desire audiences have for accessing programmes at a time and a place that suits them," he added.

A BBC spokeswoman said the iPlayer is already available on the iPhone and iTouch, but only for streaming programmes. The Nokia N96 will be the first phone that enables users to download programmes as well, she said.

Some of the programmes available through the iPlayer include EastEnders and Dragon's Den, as well as documentaries such as Who Do You Think You Are? and radio programmes such as The Chris Moyles Show and The Archers.

Although Nokia will offer free access to the iPlayer, owners of the N96 may have to pay for it depending on the deal they have with their network provider.

Launched in September the N96 is billed as an "entertainment" phone and sports a 16GB memory, built-in 3D sound, a 2.8in screen and a digital TV tuner.

Story source: bbc.co.uk.