Freeview, which is the Terrestrial Digital TV (DTT) service in the UK, has announced the launch of a newly developed app for the iPhone and iPod touch, designed to help viewers plan their TV viewing whilst on the go.
The Freeview iPhone app gives instant access to the Freeview programme guide, including HD channels and over 50 other Freeview channels. Features including a ‘now and next’ view and ‘Top 10’ channel list will make it easier to plan TV viewing and keeping up to date with the most popular channels. Users can reorder channels so favourites appear first and customise listing to a viewer’s local region.
As for the HD channels: currently the BBC HD channel is available on the app. ITV1 HD listings will be available shortly and Channel 4 HD listings will be added when the channel becomes available on Freeview HD.
The new app will also offer the ability to filter listings by category, search by text entry, or follow viewing suggestions via Freeview’s Twitter feed. Recommendations are also automatically provided for all programmes to help introduce users to related programmes based on their selections.
There are a couple of limitations here though – first of all, you need to ensure that you can receive Freeview – not everyone can due to the the restrictions that terrestrial broadcasts have with topography. Secondly, there’s no actual link between the app and your Freeview receiver, which is a shame. Nonetheless, as an app, it sounds pretty complete – so hop on over to the App Store if you want to take a look.
Freeview HD TV Guide (£free) [iTunes link]