A "my stations" section gives quick access to stations you have recently listened to or added as a favourite, a very welcome feature given that the "station list" section lists hundred of different radio stations. Also very useful is the "recommended" section that lists stations you might be interested in based on your location and listening behaviour (a good way to discover new stations).
Each of the radio stations listed in the app has an associated live stream, accessible with a single tap. Where available the app will also provide information on what's on, with information about both the current program (or music track) and upcoming programs.
In addition to the live radio station streams Radioplayer also gives access to a large catalogue of on demand content from both the BBC and many commercial radio stations. The app will automatically recommend some content based on your location and listening behaviour, with other content available via the powerful search tool.
UK Radioplayer is a not-for-profit company, which aims to make radio listening easier, something that it certainly succeeds in doing with the release of the Windows Phone app. It is backed by the BBC, Absolute Radio, Global Radio, Guardian media Group, and Radio Centre. The majority of UK radio stations are available through the service, which can be accessed via the web and a variety of mobile apps.
The wide backing means that the vast majority of UK radio stations are covered by the service, including all the national and local BBC stations, Absolute Radio (60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s), Classic Rock, Heart, Capital, Gold, LBC, XFM, Chill, Choice, Classic FM, Smooth Radio, Real Radio, talkSPORT, Kiss, Kisstory, Magic, Kerrang, Planet Rock, Jazz FM, Fun Kids, Ministry of Sound, Free radio, Gaydio, Radio Caroline, Radio Jackie, and TeamRock.
The Windows Phone version of Radioplayer has been put together by Matchbox Mobile, the same developer behind the excellent Met Office weather app and Microsoft's Bing Get Me There app. It's a high quality app that really is a must install for any UK-based Windows Phone user.
Windows Phone Store description:
The official UK Radio app, now in a beautiful free Windows Phone edition. Features all BBC services, and hundreds more great British radio stations.
Flick through our radio stations and see what's on, with a quick tap of your finger. Search for your favourites, and set them as presets. Discover new radio, with our brilliant 'Recommended' feature.
Listen to live streams of radio, or browse our catch-up programmes and podcasts, including hundreds of shows from the BBC iPlayer.
We've got everything from news and sport - to pop, rock, indie, dance, jazz, soul, and classical music. It's perfect for football, cricket, tennis, and F1 at the weekend. Follow us on Twitter to get updates and hear when new stations are added - we're @UKRadioplayer
Radioplayer is a free download from the Windows Phone Store.