Android users whose handset or tablet runs Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) or above can now download programmes from the BBC’s iPlayer app for offline viewing.
The broadcaster previously allowed downloads on a small number of pre-tested devices but has now enabled the feature on all devices as standard.
David Berlin, Senior Product Manager in the BBC iPlayer Mobile Apps team, says the change of policy was “in response to public demand”.
Berlin says his team “believe that the vast majority of devices will enjoy a great video downloading experience” even without pre-testing each device and software combination.
User feedback will be monitored and devices and operating system combinations which attract large numbers of bug reports or complaints will have the feature disabled “while we assess whether it can be fixed.”