Achi news desk-
BBC iPlayer users have been warned to watch any program downloaded on their app before it shuts down on Monday.
The dedicated BBC iPlayer downloads app will stop working permanently on PC and Mac.
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The bosses claim that not many people use the app anymore, so they made the “difficult decision” to pull the plug.
TV fans can continue to stream shows as usual from the site, but not save them offline.
The app has been a favorite of viewers for moments when they are without Wi-Fi, as well as when travelling, as iPlayer cannot be accessed online abroad.
So anyone with precious shows they were hoping to watch later will have to watch them now before it’s too late.
Read more about streaming
The move does not affect the iPlayer app on iOS and Android which will still allow offline downloads.
“Such a shame as great use when traveling or in areas without internet,” wrote one user on social media.
Why does the BBC iPlayer Downloads app close?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, senior technology and science reporter at The Sun
BBC iPlayer content is available on so many devices these days, including smart TV apps, via Sky and Virgin Media, on Amazon Fire Sticks, as well as phones and tablets.
The broadcaster is under pressure to reduce waste and save money – despite the recent increase in the TV license.
According to the BBC, usage of the desktop downloads app is “low” so it’s hard to justify the cost of maintaining it.
It is not clear how much the BBC will save from ending the app.
But that’s little comfort to the paying viewers who depend on it.
They were urged to switch to an iOS or Android app that still allows downloads, even though desktop users say they hate the idea of ​​using a smaller screen.
Don’t forget, the iOS and Android apps aren’t just for mobile – they work on tablets too, so if you have one this might be a way to keep downloading without being limited to a tiny screen.
“Trying to plow through the iPlayer downloads before the BBC kills the desktop app,” said another fan.
The app was pulled earlier this year so no one could download it again.
Now this is the final nail in the coffin as programs downloaded in the app by existing users will no longer play.
“We have taken the difficult decision to close the desktop downloads app for BBC iPlayer, due to the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going,” the broadcaster said.
How to Cut Streaming Bills with Free TV for Free
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Luckily there are tons of free TV streaming alternatives that not everyone knows about.
And we’re not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
Here are some free alternatives worth trying:
