A few months ago PBS launched an iPad app which allowed users to stream video of PBS programs for free, as well as viewing clips, previews, and program schedules. Now the public broadcast network has launched a version for the iPhone and iPod touch. It’s cleverly called “PBS for iPhone,” and it’s available as a free download from the App Store.
As with the iPad app, PBS for iPhone doesn’t have as many episodes as you’ll find on the PBS web site. But if you’re looking for the latest episodes of popular shows such as American Experience, Antiques Roadshow, Austin City Limits, Frontline, Independent Lens, Masterpiece Classic, Nature, NOVA, or POV, just to name a few, you’ll find at least some content in the app.
The video quality over WiFi isn’t bad for streaming media. Since I tried it on my iPod touch, I couldn’t check 3G performance.
Oh yeah, and as you’d expect from any PBS product, there’s also a way to donate if you’d like to help support the programming that you’re watching. It’s entirely optional though, and nobody’s going to interrupt your streaming videos 2-4 times per year to ask for money.
I recently purchased an iphone (my first smart phone), I didn’t consider waiting for Verizon’s iphone because Verizon’s coverage is very spotty in my town, oddly AT&T’s coverage is quite good. And I believe that is what it will come down to when deciding between carriers for the iphone, who has the best coverage in your area.
I briefly considered an android phone but I already had a lot of IOS apps, so I wouldn’t have to repurchase those apps. Also I switched from my old carrier (Sprint) when choosing a carrier for my new smart phone because they tack on a $10 extra fee for smart phones.
One thing I like about AT&T’s plans is that I can have a low voice/data plan and split my voice calls between cell and Skype on wifi. Up to now Verizon would not let Skype work on their phones over wifi, meaning if you want to split call between cell and Skype you would either be using time on their voice plan or time on their data plan, it keeps people from using a lower plan.