David Farnor | On 05, Apr 2016

Channel 4 has launched All 4’s Watch Live feature on Android devices.

Live-streaming can seem like something of an oddity in the on-demand age, but mobile devices and computers have made being able to stream television live wherever audiences are as important as catching up offline. Indeed, BBC iPlayer has developed its live-streaming support into what is effectively a time-shifted platform, with viewers able to restart live programmes from the beginning of their broadcast and rewind and fast-forward. When ITV rebranded its VOD service as ITV Hub, the broadcaster revealed that live-streaming makes up over 30 per cent of its usage on both PC and mobile devices.

In the case of event TV and sports, in particular, live-streaming is crucial for broadcasters to retain viewers. It is no surprise, then, that Channel 4 is beefing up its own live digital arm. Channel 4 aired its first ever live Formula 1 race, the 2016 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, at the weekend, with the 2016 Grand National taking place on 9th April and the 2016 Paralympics broadcast from Rio this September.

All 4’s Watch Live feature, available from the main menu, has previously been available on computers and iOS devices. Now, All 4’s extended that to Android devices too, allowing those running Android OS Version 4.3 and above to watch live broadcasts from all Channel 4’s channels.

A completely overhauled All 4 app launched on Android at the end of last year, following a preview trial with the broadcaster’s Core4 viewer panel, which invited Android users to help shape the app ahead of its wider release.

Channel 4 has developed the All 4 app in partnership with Novoda, an international development house specialising in mobile software craftsmanship.

Sarah Milton, All 4 Head of Product, adds: “Following the release of our new and improved app at the end of last year, we’re pleased to be able to offer the Android community this exciting additional feature ensuring that they never miss those important live Channel 4 moments just as they happen.”

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