BBC iPlayer for Android promises ban on buffering, adds Audio Described category

Fans of the Beeb will be pleased to hear that the BBC has unveiled a significant new update to its catch-up app for Android users with the release of BBC iPlayer 4.4 for Android. The app adds a new Audio Described category and expands the current Most Popular category too.

Other changes see the promise of better streaming performance and a number of minor bug fixes.

The app launches with a brand new Audio Described category, designed to make the app more accessible by providing visually impaired or blind users access to programs that include an additional narration track designed to describe what’s going on.

Elsewhere, the Most Popular category has been expanded to include 40 programs, giving users access to a greater variety of "well-loved" shows.

Version 4.4 also comes with the promise of a "ban on buffering", with programs now set to automatically detect the user’s current connection speed and select the best video quality to play.

The latest build -- which we suspect will appear on the App Store for iOS users shortly -- also comes with the promise of fixing various minor bugs.

BBC iPlayer 4.4 for Android, along with and BBC iPlayer 4.3.1 for iOS are both available now for free.  Both apps only work in the UK and require users to have a valid TV license.