The BBC launched their new Store today, opening up a vast archive of old TV programmes for purchase - and then streaming or download on many devices. Including, this time round, thanks to the wonder that is Windows 10 universal applications, to anyone running the Insiders Preview of Windows 10 Mobile - and henceforth on upgraded and new devices too, of course. Do note that the new client is for accessing your purchased content, either in streaming or download form, on the phone - it's not a general purpose browser (and buyer) of Store content - you'll still have to use Microsoft Edge with bbcstore.com for that. But hey, early days?

From the Store description:

BBC Store brings you the largest collection of BBC programmes ever, from the latest shows to classic titles from the BBC archive, including some that have never been available to buy before.

Get the free BBC Store app to stream and download programmes you've bought from BBC Store, to enjoy at home or on the go.

To use this app you will need to sign up on our website where you can discover all the great BBC programmes available to you – BBCStore.com

Here's the BBC Store app in action:

There's not much to the UI, just sign in with your BBC account and then anything you've bought will be up for browsing and playing - you can sort by date purchased or alphabetically...

There's a wide choice in stream and download quality - good to have, though I'd rather actual file sizes were quoted in real time so that the user could make an informed choice, even on a per-programme basis; (right) many programmes also have the option of accessibility aids, which is good to see...

The media player is perfectly fine and remembers where you got up to in any programme. Here I've tapped on the playback window to bring up the UI, but normally you wouldn't see this, of course.

Not shown here but quirky is a slightly hidden 'write something' function, wherein you scribble a doodle or signature (or similar) and then share it to another application or via social media. I can't really see the point in this currently - if it included an automatic link to the original video/purchase then maybe it would be good for helping awareness - but as it is, it's just a mini-app that lets you doodle. Can anyone shed any light on this? Comments welcome!

It's competent and lets Windows 10 Mobile users join in the current BBC archive frenzy, playing all the DRMed video content. I'm sure the client will evolve too, to encompass discovery as well. You can grab it here in the Store.