Latest Update: Betfred Challenge Cup Draws and Tomb Raider Films on BBC iPlayer 

The early round draws for the Betfred Men's Challenge Cup and Women's Challenge Cup will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online from Wembley Stadium on January 12 at 6pm. The Men’s competition is based on elimination, with first and second round ties to be determined by lottery on Thursday, while the 16-team Women’s competition begins with group play to determine the quarterfinalists. In addition, the original Tomb Raider films based on the Crystal Dynamics video game series and starring Angelina Jolie have returned to the BBC iPlayer, and will remain online for a year.

BBC iPlayer

Brief BBC iPlayer brings a wealth of exceptional British broadcasting to your fingertips, offering live and on-demand TV services directly from the British Broadcasting Corporation. From covering major events like the Women’s Euro 2022 Final to celebrating The Queen's historic jubilee and commemorating the BBC's 100th anniversary with a plethora of classic box sets, this app turns every screen into a window to the UK's most cherished viewing experiences.

Core Features

• 📺 Live and Catch-up TV: Stream TV shows live or catch up on the last 30 days of programming across various genres and eras.
• 🎭 Exclusive Content: Access exclusive streaming of major events, like the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final, and watch notable pageants such as The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebration.
• 🎬 Extensive Library: Enjoy a vast collection of over a thousand classic and current box sets, including beloved series like 'Blackadder' and 'The Young Ones'.
• 📥 Offline Viewing: The convenience of downloading content to watch offline, ensuring your favorites are available anytime, anywhere.
• 🌐 Comprehensive Device Support: Seamless compatibility with an array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and various digital media players.

Pros

• 👑 Rich Historical Content: Revel in BBC's storied past with anniversary collections that bring a century's worth of broadcasting to life.
• 🌍 Global Accessibility: Although intended for a UK audience, BBC iPlayer attracts an estimated 65 million international users through VPNs, indicating its worldwide appeal.
• 👩‍💻 Multi-Platform Availability: Regardless of where you are, access content through numerous platforms and devices, ranging from mobile apps to smart television applications.
• 🔄 Regular Updates: Continuous improvement and bug fixes ensure a smooth and high-quality streaming experience.

Cons

• 👮 TV License Requirement: A valid UK TV license, which incurs a fee, is required to watch content live on BBC iPlayer.
• 🤖 Permission Necessities: The app requires several permissions such as media access and identity verification, which might concern users sensitive to privacy.
• 🗺️ Geographical Limitations: Officially, service is restricted to the UK, requiring international users to seek access via VPNs.
• 📆 Download Expiry: Downloaded content is removed automatically after 30 days, limiting long-term offline access.

Pricing

• 💵 License Fee: While the app itself is free, watching live or downloaded content legally requires a TV license, costing £145.50 annually or £24 per month over six months.

Community

• 🕸️ Official Site: BBC iPlayer
• 📺 YouTube Channel: BBC
• 👥 Facebook: BBC iPlayer
• 🐦 Twitter: @BBCiPlayer