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BBC and Google take you under the sea in VR
It's easier to appreciate nature when you witness it first-hand, but that's rather difficult with the ocean unless you have a submarine at your disposal. The BBC and Google have a more practical solution: they've launched a BBC Earth: Life in VR app that illustrates the underwater ecosystem on Daydream View headsets and compatible phones. You can explore environments ranging from kelp forests to deep sea trenches, and life as large as whales or as tiny as plankton.
BBC's 'Planet Earth' team is making a mini VR nature series
While the BBC is respected for its varied slate of programming, its nature documentaries are deservedly elevated above the rest. The corporation's second Planet Earth series recently broke viewing records in the UK and will debut in the US, but it's also been working on a new project that will bring its nature expertise to virtual reality. BBC Earth, the producer behind the groundbreaking footage, has announced a new partnership with Oculus to launch three new VR experiences, which will be available for the Rift and Samsung's Gear VR headsets in the coming weeks.
The BBC is making a feature film starring British YouTubers
What's the best way for a broadcaster like the BBC to stay "down with the kids?" By hiring some incredibly popular YouTube vloggers, apparently. After recruiting a slew of internet personalities for BBC Radio 1, BBC Worldwide has commissioned a feature-length film starring Joe Sugg and Caspar Lee. The one-off special will see the pair -- who have more than 10 million subscribers and a billion video views between them -- galavanting around Europe, as they try to survive solely on the money they earn each day. Teenagers are pulling away from linear TV scheduling though, so the BBC plans to release the film as a digital download on November 23rd. In Britain, it'll also be available on DVD -- the first 8,000 fans that pre-ordered will get a wristband and their names listed in the credits.
BBC's iPlayer apps hit 20 million downloads, still aren't coming to the US
The BBC reports its iPlayer apps for Android and iOS have crossed a new milestone, with 20 million downloads total since launching back in 2011. Of course, that number might be a little inflated by certain individuals downloading it multiple times (our UK staff alone probably accounts for several dozen) but it's still impressive. Other numbers shared included a peek at the most downloaded episodes ever (since the feature launched in September 2012), and Top Gear's season 20 episode premiere took the top spot with about 92,000. 70 million TV requests came in from mobile devices in September, with mobiles making up 41 percent of all iPlayer requests. As popular as the apps are at home, the BBC recently announced changes to its plans for their international availability. CEO Tim Davie's vision for the future of BBC Worldwide includes a transformation of BBC.com that focuses on video, and proposes folding the app into the website as a part of his three year plan. So, after reaching 16 countries including Canada and Australia (but not the US) iPlayer Global won't see any further expansion, with plans instead for an "international version of a BBC store." After a long lull in development we suppose it's good to hear anything on that front, and knowing that the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special episode will be simulcast on BBC America November 23rd (Sherlock fans should know season three's first episode is coming to PBS on January 19th) helps ease the pain of missing out just a bit.
BBC releases rediscovered Doctor Who episodes as iTunes exclusives (video)
There are a few things that make Doctor Who fans wince in pain, none more so than mentioning the BBC's policy of deleting its archives of early '60s episodes. However, enterprising fans have scoured the globe looking for film canisters, and all but 106 had been found -- until now. Nine new episodes, including parts 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of The Enemy Of The World as well as episodes 2, 4, 5 and 6 of The Web of Fear were discovered in Nigeria earlier this year. After being brought up to broadcast standard by the BBC's peerless Restoration Team, both serials are now available exclusively on iTunes, until their DVD release, that is, for $9.99/£9.99 each. That should keep us amused until November 23rd, at least.
BBC Worldwide to offer first-run TV to Australia through Foxtel in mid-2014
Australians have long had access to the BBC, although a current four-channel lineup on Foxtel won't completely satisfy fans of British TV when it's just a sliver of the content they know. BBC Worldwide should be closing some of that (figurative) distance, though, with plans to offer a premium channel through Foxtel's network. The as-yet-unnamed service will give Aussies a chance at first-run BBC shows about a year before they'd broadcast over the air there. and without ads. (Pretty good for not having a UK TV license.) The BBC content will naturally be available in HD, as well as for mobile streaming through Foxtel Go. About the only drawback to the channel outside of its premium nature is the mid-2014 start date, but that may be a small sacrifice for determined Anglophiles and ex-pats. [Image credit: Teknorat, Flickr]
Tesco signs up BBC content for its free Clubcard TV streaming service, includes plenty of cooking shows
Tesco's recently launched TV streaming service, which is free to its Clubcard members, has signed up to a bundle of programs from BBC Worldwide. The UK supermarket, which supports its Clubcard TV with ads between shows, has focused on comedy, drama and (unsurprisingly) cooking programming, with TV chefs Gary Rhodes and Ken Hom both on hand to show you exactly what do with that tin of Tesco Value plum tomatoes lingering at the back of your cupboard. Two Pints of Lager, Blackpool and Stig of the Dump also join Clubcard TV's schedules selection, sharing digital shelf-space with content from Warner Bros., Endemol and Aardman studios. If you're looking to increase your diet of streaming media, the full release has all the incoming shows, and it's right after the break.
BBC Worldwide announces first four Blu-ray / DVDs with UltraViolet digital copies
Coming nearly on the anniversary of its US launch, the UltraViolet digital locker system is getting a boost in the UK from BBC Worldwide. The BBC's commercial wing is releasing four Blu-ray / DVD titles that are UltraViolet-enabled and is partnering with Warner-owned Flixster to allow users to redeem their copies. The digital versions are available via streaming and downloading for viewing on or offline, and the first four titles queued up consist of Doctor Who Series 7 Part One, Rollercoaster, a new Top Gear special and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild. UltraViolet was already live in the UK, and recently announced it's spreading to cover Canada, Ireland and Australia. We'll see how users like the signup process with its multiple logins, but a quick check of previous Blu-ray releases didn't show any iTunes or Windows Media digital copies at all so at least they'll appreciate the option.
Netflix snags classic BBC shows in UK deal
Netflix's British charm offensive continues, in preparation for its launch in there early next year. The latest signing is with BBC Worldwide and offers up classic BBC shows like Torchwood, Spooks and Fawlty Towers in return for an undisclosed sum deposited into the public broadcaster's coffers. The license only covers streaming rights to viewers in the UK and Ireland, but Netflix US already has some of the BBC's back catalog and iPlayer should hopefully bring fresher material our way soon. PR after the break.
BBC brings global iPlayer iPad app to Canada, one step closer to the US
BBC Worldwide isn't quite ready to debut its "global" iPlayer app for the iPad here in the US yet, but now it's a bit closer after updating to v1.2.5 and becoming available in Canada. The app debuted back in July bringing iPlayer streaming access to tablets across Western Europe, before taking its programmes to Australia back in September. It will cost Canadians $8.99 per month for access BBC shows like Fawlty Towers, Whitechapel, and Hustle, but viewers in all 16 territories with access can snag one free episode per day through December 25th. The Hollywood Reporter indicates this is all part of a year long pilot phase with a next step of opening it up to US audiences, so those with patience don't need to put on their snowshoes and move to the Great White North just yet.
BBC iPlayer will cost 'fewer than $10' a month for international subscribers
As you know, the BBC's iPlayer online video catchup portal is about to strap its boots on and go international via the iPad some time this year, a subscription service which has now been priced at "fewer than $10" per month. That's the word direct from Mark Thompson, director general of the grand old corporation, who also assures us that the global launch is definitely coming in 2011. iPad and Android apps for the iPlayer were recently launched in the BBC's homeland, so the technical requirements have already been fulfilled -- now it's probably just a matter of dotting some Is, crossing some Ts, and making sure Jeremy Clarkson doesn't score you a lawsuit with his outspoken bravado. [Thanks, Nathan]
BBC iPlayer to start international rollout with subscription service on iPad
BBC.com managing director Luke Bradley-Jones has dropped some knowledge on the TV-loving world by revealing that the iPlayer's global launch will be on a "pure paid subscription model," which will be followed by partnerships with advertisers on "free" sections of the British TV catchup service. The US is specifically named as one of the first new markets for the venture that is expected to go live in the middle of next year. In addition to knowing you'll have to shell out to get your fix of Top Gear, Doctor Who and, erm, The Foods that Make Billions, you'll also want to be aware that the first platform for the iPlayer outside the UK will be none other than Apple's iPad. What is it with Brits and the iPad?
BBC iPlayer going international next year, will be either fee- or ad-supported
The BBC's iPlayer video-on-demand service has been an unqualified success since its rollout back in 2007 and now it's taking the next logical step in expanding its reach: it's going global. Such is the word from John Smith, the generically named head of BBC Worldwide, who sees the international market for British shows as "under-exploited" and wants to see the iPlayer opened up beyond the Queen's home isles. Of course, since continental Europeans and North Americans aren't subject to the same backbreaking TV license fee, there'll be a new commercial element to the service, though the Beeb's bigwigs have yet to figure out if that means users will have to pay a levy or put up with some ads. Either way, we've got quite a few eager iPlayer viewers on our own staff, so we imagine whenever and however the switch does get flipped, it'll be welcomed by all.
BBC Worldwide content coming to U.S. Xbox Live, Zune Marketplace
Apparently having worked out its issues over control, we've got even more BBC news for you with word that some of its programming is coming to Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace in the U.S. No word whether they'll be available in HD, but Torchwood, Dr. Who, Primeval, Top Gear and more are going to be online. Of course, the PS3 and Wii both have iPlayer access (and in the UK users can download videos and play through their consoles) but to get playback here without subscribing to BBC America HD, the Xbox 360 could be a good choice.Update: It looks like the videos are already up with the BBC America branding, with Torchwood and Robin Hood both 720p HDTV ready.
