BBC-backed RadioPlayer brings 300 UK radio stations together in a new native iOS app

UK Internet radio service RadioPlayer has moved beyond its Web app roots and launched a native iOS app, with an Android incarnation currently in the oven.

Just to recap, we reported on RadioPlayer when it launched in the UK back in March 2011, a Web app backed by the BBC and a number of other commercial partners to make many UK stations available together for the first time on one platform. Shortly after, RadioPlayer announced it was drawing in almost 6m unique listeners a month, a figure now sitting at around the 7m mark.

Then back in January this year, RadioPlayer teamed up with Stephen Fry’s favorite social sound platform Audioboo to roll out a new instant ‘listen-again’ service.

The iOS version of RadioPlayer hits the App Store today, letting users listen to more than 300 UK stations on the move – this includes everything from small local stations to national stations…both commercial and BBC.

When you first launch the app, you’re presented with a perennially shifting and scrolling screen with all the stations listed seemingly in a random order, which I can’t say I’m particularly keen on.

However, when you hit the list option you’re then able to find live-broadcasting stations alphabetically, view recommended ones based on proximity or what’s trending, and listen back to broadcasts that have already taken place through Catchup. You can also simply search for stations based on its name, a particular show or presenter, and ‘Save’ your favorite stations for easy access:

I think the app would’ve been better if, when you first load it, you were presented with options to access your favorites from the get go, or narrow it down by location or other filters. Having the rolling page seems a little too random to be placed on the homescreen.

That all said, if you’re a UK radio fan, you’ll like this app – it works as described and really is easy to use. “Our aim was to create a simple app that showcases the amazing variety of UK radio,” explains Michael Hill, Managing Director of RadioPlayer. “The fact we’ve built one that’s also beautiful, innovative, and a joy to use, is testament to the power of partnerships.”

The app works for iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads in the UK, and is free to use. Meanwhile, check out the demo video below of the new RadioPlayer app in action.

➤ RadioPlayer | iOS

Feature Image Credit – Thinkstock