BBC snubs iPhone but iPlayer set for iPad and Android launch this week

The BBC has confirmed that it is preparing to launch its popular iPlayer service on the iPad, so Apple users will no longer have any excuse for missing the latest episode of Top Gear.

Users will have access to all the main features of the site over Wi-Fi, including the ability to watch live TV and listen to radio, and access the BBC's full catalogue of catch-up programmes, noted Daniel Danker the general manager of future media & technology.

"BBC iPlayer outpaced PC growth by more than 2-to-1, and BBC iPlayer growth on tablets outpaced PCs by more than 20-to-1," he said in a blog post.

"We're just applying the finishing touches to the apps as we speak, and all things being well we plan to have Android and iPad apps in stores by the end of the week."

Although the BBC has not confirmed an official release date, the iPad app is widely tipped to hit the App Store on 10 February.

"iPlayer App for iPad is being released this Thursday - 10 Feb. 3G connection is browse only. Browse+Playback requires Wi-Fi. #iplayer," tweeted Geoff Marshall, interactive operations engineer at the BBC early this week.

It is unclear if an app is being developed for iPhone or iPod touch devices, but with the BBC intending to make the app available on as "many devices and platforms as possible", we reckon it will only be a matter of time.