4OD smartphone apps now stream over mobile networks

Channel 4’s 4OD smartphone apps for iOS and Android were great for catching up on missed shows, but only if you had access to a Wi-Fi network; that changes today as the company has updated the app with support for streaming over 3G or 4G mobile networks.

The iOS version of 4OD actually recieved mobile network streaming at the beginning of the month, but now the Android version has caught up with the same functionality. It’s now possible to stream full Channel 4, More4 and E4 programmes when you’re away from a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as watch “4Shorts” short films, bonus clips and extras from some of Channel 4’s most popular programmes, and trailers for upcoming episodes.

This latest update now puts 4OD on par with BBC iPlayer and ITV player, which both already let viewers stream video over mobile networks – assuming they have large data bundles in order to cover the bandwidth used to stream video. Despite saying to the contrary on its Google Play store page, the Demand 5 Android app also works flawlessly over 4G, meaning all four major UK broadcasters let customers enjoy TV shows without a Wi-Fi connection.

4OD includes broadcast content from the past 30 days, as well as classic episodes from older programmes including Father Ted, Faking It, the IT crowd and Grand Designs. Unfortunately, the updated app still won’t let you stream live content to a smartphone or tablet, meaning you’ll have to find a TV or reach a desktop computer in order to watch programmes as they air. Currently only the BBC provides mobile network streaming of live TV.

4OD is free to download for iOS from the iTunes app store, and for Android from the Google Play store.