BBC rejects iPlayer download app for the iPhone

The BBC has got legal on two iPhone developers attempting to create an app called 'Rewat.ch' that would cache iPlayer content.

After being issued a 10-page cease and desist order the programmers have been forced to stop further development of the app after the BBC spotted the application submission to Apple.

According to The Register the two developers from Manchester-based team Camiloo had already been in touch with the BBC when the project first started. Although they'd been told they would be contacted in due course the developers thought it would OK to go ahead. However, the cease and desist order only came after the official submission to Apple.

Giving iPhone users the chance to select programmes from a RSS feed and download content ready for viewing later, Rewat.ch was in design to make it possible for users to view whilst they were on the move, confident they could enjoy trouble-free viewing even if there was no network signal.

As far as Camiloo was concerned they were sure this app would be fine with the BBC as not only did it take note of programme expiry dates it would also automatically delete them when that date arrived, similar to general desktop clients.

According to the BBC the iPhone service should be streaming only and it’s not happy about developers giving users access to stored downloads. Back in February the Beeb announced the launch of its own dedicated iPhone app allowing users to stream iPlayer content on their mobile device.

At the start of the month owners of smartphones BlackBerry Bold 2 and Blackberry Storm 2 were also given access to iPlayer.

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