Channel 4 (www.channel4.com) is a UK public television broadcaster, operated by the Channel Four Television Corporation. The broadcaster (just like other companies) has its own branded catch-up service, enabling viewers to remain up-to-date and on top of shows. Should you find yourself missing numerous episodes of a series, this service is an invaluable resource.
We bear good news, as an official 4oD app is now available for Windows Phone 8.
Not only does the app cover Channel 4 itself, but both E4 and More4 are included in the 4oD experience. The free application opens the door to a wide selection of shows from all three channels. Episodes are available on-demand free of charge with no limits on how much you can stream and enjoy. The only issue with this free model is that you'll have to put up with advertisements, much like what's implemented on the official website.
There is one restriction in place, which is the requirement of an active WiFi connection. This is a bummer for those who are currently in transit without a WiFi hotspot. We'd like to see Channel 4 include an offline playback option if mobile data connections aren't going to be supported (this is available on other platforms). Unless this is indeed implemented in an app update, you're not going to be able to enjoy your favourite shows while on the move.
That said, the app is free and for that we can't really grumble. You have a full 30-day catalogue of shows, ensuring you have ample time to catch up and not miss out on any content. It's an official solution and for that, we're pleased to see the app released. There's certainly room for improvement, and we're sure this isn't the end of the road.
You can download 4oD from the Windows Phone Store (note that this app is region restricted - works on Windows Phone 8 only, 512MB hardware supported). Cheers, Daniel, for the tip!
