More than a year since its iOS app was released, 4oD has come to Android, available now for free from Google Play. The app gives unlimited access to 4oD’s extensive catalogue of shows from Channel 4, E4 and More4, though streaming is only available over a Wi-Fi connection.
The app is compatible with systems running Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) or later and has been optimised for Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC Desire S, and Google Nexus S and Nexus 4 smartphones, and the Google Nexus 7 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 tablets.
Users will be able to browse programmes by date of broadcast, category or A to Z, plus there are selections of curated recommendations. There’s a 30-day catch-up window for viewers to watch the most recent shows, as well as a back catalogue of series box sets spanning the last 30 years.
Unlike the BBC iPlayer app, the 4oD app for Android (just like the iOS version) does not give viewers access to live TV or the ability to download shows to watch offline. However, it is believed that these features will be added later this year.
One thing that separates 4oD from the BBC iPlayer, though, is that Irish users can avail of it.
The 4oD app for Android is not supported on rooted devices, or the Kindle Fire or Kindle Fire HD. Users on older Android platforms can still watch 4oD via its Flash-based mobile site.
