Earlier this week we saw that the ABC updated their Android app to allow streaming of ABC-developed content. The comments on this and previous posts on the ABC app have shown that there’s a big demand for the ABC iView service (currently available on iOS and desktop) on Android.
In view of this, Ausdroid reached out to the ABC to find out about their plans for an Android version of iView. Sally O’Donoghue, Manager of iView and Internet Broadcasting, advised us that the ABC is definitely aware of the interest, and that the ABC is working on getting official support for iView on Android.
We are investigating the alternatives to Flash, and a proof of concept is being developed at the moment. We’re optimistic that we’ll find a solution which provides a stable, secure alternative to Flash, and meets the requirements of our content rights holders.
The ABC appears to have run into issues getting content to Android devices since the termination of Flash support for Android devices. Flash was used from iView’s inception to provide a stable and secure delivery platform for video content – this allowed the ABC to provide content rights holders with the security that they need.
We’ve heard most of this before, and not just from the ABC – most online broadcasters have had to deal with a transition away from a Flash-based platform in the last couple of years. It is notable however that an iView app has existed on iOS — which, of course, have never supported Flash — for some time now.
The news that a proof of concept is in development is great to hear. We’re told this is happening in tandem with a general redevelopment of iView which will allow them to more easily target various screen sizes.
The best bit? We’ve finally got an ETA:
Delivering an iView app for portable Android devices by end of the year is our aim.
Great news for Australian Android users, though it can’t come soon enough. In the meantime, the addition of ABC-produced content to the existing Android app will have to do.
TV stations releasing Android apps has been a theme this year – Samsung has an (eventual) exclusive on Foxtel Go as well as Seven News and Plus7 apps preinstalled on Galaxy devices. Whichever way these apps get to Android, we’ll all benefit in the end.
Are you looking forward to ABC iView coming to Android? Let us know in the comments!
