The BBC has launched BBC iPlayer Radio, a new music-streaming service which listeners can use to enjoy their favorite network’s stations and music live and on demand via iOS computers and mobile devices. In the closest future it will be available for Android too.

Photo: the BBC iPlayer Radio app, from wired.co.uk

The BBC has been developing the service for a year. Now it provides a seamless access to all 57 of BBC Radio stations’ content on the redesigned web site. The iPlayer Radio can be customized by setting an alarm for certain time and programs and integrated with social media to share what users listen to with friends. The whole BBC stations’ library is available through the player including video content, podcasts and other multimedia. The app supports Wi-Fi and 3G connections.

 “Now mobile represents about 18% of our overall usage, with events like Radio 1 Hackney Weekend seeing over 30% of their traffic from mobile devices,” wrote Andrew Scott, head of radio, music and audience facing services at BBC Future Media in the news post. “Now we have a platform which allows flexibility and personality for each network, but also encourages users to move between the different network sites.” 

In 2007, the BBC launched its iPlayer TV service which allows fans to access and stream TV content online. BBC iPlayer Radio is a music extension of this popular service.