BBC to launch smartphone applications

The BBC is to follow Sky News and launch smartphone applications for its news and sports content from April.

Initially available for the Apple iPhone, they will be followed by versions for the BlackBerry and handsets using Google's Android software.

The broadcaster said the news app, which will be free to download, will offer content from the BBC news website, including blogs, audio and video.

Users will be able to send in comments and images directly to the BBC newsroom via the application.

To begin with the sports app will focus on football, providing live updates and allowing fans to stream matches on their handsets.

It will then be expanded to include their sports content, including Formula One.

Erik Huggers, BBC director of future media and technology, said BBC audiences "want to access digital services that they have paid for at a time and place that suits them".

The move is likely to bring increased competition to the online news market, which could boost opportunities for digital media job seekers.

In addition to the Sky News app, iPhone users can also download applications for the Daily Telegraph, which is free, and the Guardian, which is offered at a cost of £2.39 a month.

Posted by Stanley Jack

For the latest new media, online and digital jobs from pfj, click here