BbcIplayer
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BBC iPlayer comes to the Wii U with GamePad viewing
These days, it's pretty hard to find anything electronic that doesn't have access to BBC iPlayer already. Nintendo's Wii U is one of the most notable exceptions, but if you've been quietly jonesing for an iPlayer client to hit the quirky console, then jones no more. With zero fanfare marking its launch, BBC iPlayer is now available to download in the Nintendo eShop. The Wii U's GamePad is fully supported, too, so you're not tied to the TV screen if, you know, your tablet's run out of battery.
BBC Three's online switch delayed until next year
BBC Three's transition from a traditional channel to an online-only property, with new media playing a key role in its evolution, ain't happening any time this year. The channel was set to be switched off this autumn, but its execution has now been pushed until "after Christmas" while the BBC Trust considers its position. The regulator effectively has the power to approve or deny the move, with a definitive answer expected in June.
The BBC wants you to help decide which of its experiments should make the cut
The BBC is getting a little experimental. Or rather, it wants to show people more of the crazy, forward-thinking ideas that it normally cooks up behind closed doors, and which often never see the light of day. To solve this, the broadcaster is launching a new platform called Taster, where it'll be releasing a steady stream of shows and features that challenge its traditional output. Anyone can access the site online and the BBC is keen for people to get hands-on, whether that means signing up for a new version of iPlayer, or watching some of its creative show formats. You'll then be able to submit feedback, and the BBC will use it to decide which ideas are worth developing for primetime public consumption.
The BBC's plan to turn an online-only BBC Three into a new media brand
Even before it was announced BBC Three was being taken off the air and turned into an online-only property to cut costs, the BBC was using the channel to experiment with digital-first strategies, such as putting shows online prior to broadcasting them the traditional way. Other streaming-focused initiatives have followed, but the BBC has kept hush about the real future of BBC Three when it's yanked from the airwaves towards the end of next year. Today, however, the broadcaster has revealed the first details of its plan to move BBC Three online, and rather than simply turning it into a streaming-only affair, it wants to reinvent the channel as "a new online service" that "could be a pathfinder for the digital age and for the future of the BBC."
YouView boxes finally granted the BBC's new iPlayer and red button features
The BBC's extensively redesigned iPlayer has been gradually lumbering its way onto different compatible devices since it was first launched earlier this year. YouView's hybrid Freeview/IPTV set-top boxes have, until now, been sorely neglected, which is somewhat strange given the BBC is one of YouView's principal investors. Well, better late than never, the new iPlayer has finally started rolling out to YouView set-top boxes, alongside the addition of the BBC's Connected Red Button features. If you're in possession of a YouView- or BT-issued box made by Humax (Huawei's also built a few), then these goodies will show up shortly, if not today. TalkTalk customers, however, are still playing the waiting game, though they can expect to receive the updates "in due course."
BBC's iPlayer redesign comes to a much wider range of TVs and set-top boxes
Since the BBC announced a substantial iPlayer redesign earlier this year, it's been rolled out to different platforms in stages, starting with the web and most recently, iOS, Android and Windows Phone. A limited line-up of connected TVs and set-top boxes, as well as the PS3 and PS4, were granted access to the new-look iPlayer at launch (though in preview mode initially). Today, the BBC's announced a vastly expanded roster of smart TVs, Blu-ray players and set-top boxes that'll receive the iPlayer update within a week. Its diffusion to other TV-connected gear will continue, too, with an Xbox One app and updates for YouView, Virgin Media TiVo and BT Vision set-top boxes expected to be released by the end of the year. In order to conserve resources, the BBC's also said it'll be retiring the aged "Bigscreen" version of iPlayer next month. Apparently, only 0.1 percent of viewers still use it, and various devices will be able to access the new version of iPlayer anyway.
BBC's iPlayer revamp goes live for everyone
The BBC unveiled a heavily redesigned iPlayer web client a couple of months ago now, but if you ignored the prompt to opt-in and see the new UI for yourself, we're afraid you can't fight change any longer. Today, the BBC's taken the fresh-faced iPlayer layout out of "preview" mode, thereby retiring the old interface and ushering users to embrace the new one. Aside from looking different, there's now a greater onus on finding new content to watch, and between the launch of the new iPlayer and now, the BBC's already added more ways to filter programmes within the category and favourites tabs. Redesign virgins are best off jumping in and checking it out, and if you're sad you didn't get to say goodbye, the updated apps for set-top boxes and other TV-connected gear are still in preview mode, and the Android and iOS apps are still just like you remember them until they get made-over in "the coming weeks."
BBC revamps iPlayer with new web UI and greater focus on content discovery
The BBC teased us with stories of a new, improved iPlayer nearing the end of the last year, and today we're seeing the first part of that go live. Arriving today on the web and smart TVs, the "completely re-built" iPlayer has a simpler, image-focused UI that'll be consistent across all platforms when tablet and smartphone apps catch up in a few months. The desktop client is not set to change, if you were wondering, as it's primarily a download manager these days. You can switch between the various BBC channels using tabs near the top of the page, with quick access to categories and favorites on the same level. A revised category list should make it easier to find things to watch that suits your tastes, and suggestive search should help you find those shows you already know you like. Similarly, new themed "collections" will give offer eyeball food that revolves around the same topic. If you're still not sure what to watch, there's always the A-Z program and recently watched lists for inspiration. A new playback page doesn't need to reload when you move onto the next episode (or something else from the recommendations), and you can add programs to favorites straight from the player.
BBC iPlayer Downloads replaces old Desktop client for a cleaner, simpler user experience
Those of you across the pond with access to BBC's iPlayer Desktop client may have been frustrated with the offline video experience. There were frequent Adobe AIR updates that caused incompatibility issues and features that were either mostly ignored by users for their complexity (i.e., Series Record) or inaccessible offline, like Live TV and Radio. Well, consider that the past because the Beeb's introducing a new client, BBC iPlayer Downloads, which sidesteps the need for Adobe AIR and cuts out those former features in favor of a unfussy UI focused on downloading programs. To that end, downloads will no longer be made available in .wmv format (due to cost reasons) and are now hosted only on episode pages to keep the experience consistent with companion mobile apps. Fans of the old Player will still be able to view any existing downloaded shows until their expiration date, but, from today forward, that client will no longer be available on the BBC's iPlayer site. Embrace the future, video junkies... you have no choice.
BBC iPlayer for iOS updated with AirPlay for downloads, improved search
Our big sister site Engadget is reporting today that the BBC iPlayer for iOS received a big update that will make it easier to watch your favorite shows even when your internet connection is on the fritz. The app update is limited to the UK version of the BBC iPlayer, but now supports AirPlay streaming of downloaded shows. If you've captured your favorite episodes of EastEnders or Doctor Who to your iOS device, you can blast 'em to your big screen via Apple TV even if your internet connection is down. BBC iPlayer now has improved searching as well. Search responses are grouped by series, and iPad users now have a dedicated search section. If you're a UK user, get the update now through the link above.
BBC iPlayer for iOS updated with AirPlay streaming for downloads, simpler searching
BBC iPlayer for iOS just got a big update that makes it easy to keep watching -- even in less than ideal conditions. The app now supports AirPlay streaming for downloaded shows, letting users watch on the big screen when there's no internet connection. Searching is also much improved; iPlayer now groups results by series, and iPad users get a dedicated search section. It's easier to start watching recommended shows, too. The update is sadly limited to the UK version of iPlayer, but those fortunate Brits can grab the new app through the source link.
BBC Three to launch new programs on iPlayer a week before they air on TV
The BBC might be a stalwart bastion of television broadcasting, but that's not stopping it from expanding its ventures into the wonderful world of online programming. Today, BBC Three announced that it would try its hand at digital-first content starting with the second series of Jack Whitehall's Bad Education. As more and more viewers turn to the internet for their TV-watching needs, the BBC has proven itself eager to keep up with demand, first by unveiling its plan to debut certain programs online in addition to producing iPlayer-exclusive dramas. iPlayer has long been one of the best ways to catch up on your favorite shows when you miss them on the air, but with this new development, the BBC seems interested in shifting the paradigm -- at least when it comes to a few select programs -- to favor online viewership.
BBC iPlayer for Android adds support for 10-inch tablets, improves user interface
It's simple: the numbers don't lie. Clearly aware of the many, many hours viewers are squeezing out of their tablets, the BBC has, for the better, made its iPlayer for Android more friendly with 10-inch models. Folks using the app will no longer have to rely on a shortcut to the website, with the BBC iPlayer now offering native support for those larger Android slates. The changelog also notes some tweaks to the UI on smartphones and 7-inch tablets, but mum's the word on what the changes were exactly. Either way, we're sure owners of, say, a Nexus 10 will be happy to hear there are fewer steps required to catch up with their favorite shows.
For first time ever BBC iPlayer watched on more tablets than smartphones
The BBC has released its March 2013 BBC iPlayer Performance Pack, which breaks down the viewing habits of those using the company's iPlayer video streaming service. For the first time ever, BBC iPlayer views on a tablet, like the iPad, outpaced views on smartphones, like the iPhone. Though tablets only won by 200,000 views, the results are significant as it shows that tablet adoption is increasing -- good news for Apple, as its iPad is clearly the world's dominant tablet even as it's seeing heavy competition to its iPhone in the smartphone market. In the release the BBC said, "For the first time ever, there were more requests on tablet devices than mobile devices (200,000 requests ahead of mobiles) driven primarily by TV viewing. Both mobile and tablet usage remained high -- making up 30 percent of overall requests -- or 81 million requests in total." BBC iPlayer is a free download in the UK App Store.
BBC to try offering shows on iPlayer before TV
We've clearly crossed a psychological barrier to digital media adoption when major content providers are going online-first on a regular basis. The BBC, despite its sometimes stuffy image, is revealing that it's just as eager to break with tradition: it's been given the go-ahead for a trial that will offer content on iPlayer before it appears on TV. The year-long test will offer up to 40 hours of regular BBC shows in advance, with no TV license fee required. While the selection of shows isn't yet public, the offering should be a bolder experiment than usual in showing whether or not iPlayer can serve as more than a catch-up tool or repository for exclusives. Let's hope it does -- we'd like to see online services treated as first-class citizens.
BBC iPlayer gets updated for iPad, iPhone 5
One of the most popular apps in the UK received some small, but siginificant updates yesterday. BBC iPlayer for iOS has been updated to version 2.0.2. The most noticeable change in the update is that it finally brings support for the iPhone 5's screen. Now viewers can watch their favorite shows in full 16:9 glory without any black bars on the sides. The update also brings the ability for users to plug their iPhones directly into their TVs to watch iPlayer. This is something that has been available on the iPad version of the app for a while, but its addition on the iPhone version brings unity (something that is always a plus for universal apps). On the iPad side, BBC iPlayer has added a few new features as well. The "Live Channels" button now enables channel hopping during live broadcasts. In addition, tapping on the "More" button now shows a transparent overlay across the bottom of the screen. The overlay displays images representing other episodes or programs in two categories: "More From This Series" and "More Like This." The BBC has a strong history of embracing technological change, but one place they still need the iPlayer to land on is the Apple TV. Also, it would be nice if iPlayer for iOS supported AirPlay streaming (via a dedicated AirPlay button in the app instead of having to mirror your entire iPhone). If you think so too, give them a shout on Twitter (@BBCiPlayer) and tell them @michaelgrothaus sent you. BBC iPlayer is a universal app and a free download in the UK App Store.
BBC iPlayer comes to Sky+, Hell reports incoming frost
The BBC and Sky may represent polar, warring opposites of the broadcasting business, but that doesn't mean their technology platforms can't get along. Following a promise made all the way back in January, internet-connected Sky+HD boxes will be able to access BBC iPlayer from today. The service has been integrated into Sky's world-class program guide, with users even able to plump to catch available shows in high definition. The announcement also let slip that 4OD, the last remaining holdout to the service, will be added in early 2013. If you've yet to hook your Sky box up to the internet, you just need an Ethernet cable or wireless adapter -- but let's hope for your sake they aren't at opposite ends of your house.
BBC launches BBC iPlayer Radio app for iOS
Today the BBC launched its BBC iPlayer Radio for iOS. The app builds on the popularity of BBC's iPlayer video app for iPhone and iPad. With BBC iPlayer Radio, users can listen to any BBC radio station on their iOS device over a WiFi or 3G connection. Like the regular BBC iPlayer app, the BBC iPlayer Radio app allows listeners to listen to on-demand radio shows from the past seven days. Users can also watch video clips, including music sessions of bands performing on radio shows. But my favorite part about the BBC iPlayer Radio app is its radio tuner dial, which is reminiscent of the classic iPod's scroll wheel. The app also allows you to set alarms so you can wake to your favorite radio program in the morning. The app is only available in the UK App Store and does require you to be in the UK while using it. Like BBC's other apps, BBC iPlayer Radio is a free download. To see it in action, check out the video clip on the BBC's Media Center page.
BBC launches iPlayer Radio: a separate radio-only mobile app and web UI
No one can accuse the BBC of neglecting radio in its quest for streaming nirvana -- not when the number of radio listeners on iPlayer has shot up 56 percent in a year (and 300 percent on tablets). Nevertheless, from tomorrow morning, iPhone users will find a brand new way to listen to their favorite content: a dedicated radio app with a spinning dial which -- compared to the regular iPlayer app -- will put much greater emphasis on live shows rather than catch-up. There'll also be mobile-friendly features like an alarm clock which will wake you up to your choice of show, reminders for shows you just can't miss, and the ability to identify current and recently-played songs at a glance. The app will reach Android too, as soon as some Flash-related difficulties have been ironed out, and its alarm function will benefit from slightly better multi-tasking on Google's OS, so you won't have to leave the app open before you fall asleep. If you don't want to wait or if you're outside the UK, check out the desktop iPlayer at the source link, or the gallery below, and you'll see just what the Corporation's philosophy about treating radio differently -- rather than as "TV minus video" -- actually looks like.
BT to offer free YouView box with one-year broadband contract, £49 for existing customers
If you're not quite comfortable shelling out £299 for BT's YouView box, then you're in luck. Starting October 26th, the hardware will be free for new Infinity broadband subscribers who ink contracts that are one year or longer. Instead of relying on cable, the Humax-built device uses both aerial and internet connections to deliver content from more than 100 digital TV and radio channels including Channels 4 and 5, the BBC and ITV. With the IPTV box, users can sift through content that's aired in the past seven days, watch on-demand programs and record up to 300 hours of standard definition television or 125 hours of high-def video to a built-in 500GB hard drive. Current British Telecom subscribers pining for the subsidized box will be able to get their own for a £49 activation fee and a £6.95 delivery charge. Those eager for the gratis set-top solution will be able to order it online starting October 19th if they register interest with BT's website beforehand. For more details, check out the press release below.
