The BBC is due to launch a mobile version of its iPlayer service in the UK this autumn as part of a wider mobile services revamp, reports New Media Age (NMA). The BBC’s controller of mobile, Matthew Postgate, says development work has begun, but the BBC has not decided whether the service will be used to record shows remotely, watch short clips or view entire shows, says NMA. The news follows a report in The Guardian that claims iPlayer content will be available to access on the iPhone and wireless iPod Touch “within the next few weeks.” Another report from The Register says the iPlayer will be available to watch on the iPhone and iPod Touch via Wi-Fi and that the BBC has a deal with Wi-Fi provider The Cloud to offer free access to the BBC website. Citing Apple’s head of digital media technology, Anthony Rose, the report says the Apple devices will be the first of a wave of mobile devices that are iPlayer compatible. The BBC has not yet issued any formal announcements concerning such plans.

The BBC recently claimed that 17 million programmes had been streamed or downloaded since Christmas 2007 on its iPlayer service. Earlier this month, Mobile Business Briefing reported that the organisation is reviewing its mobile TV strategy following a 12-month trial, which is nearly at an end. During this time it streamed shows from BBC One, BBC Three and BBC News 24 on Orange, 3 and Vodafone networks in the UK.