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BBC iPlayer now gives you a month to catch up on programmes
Back in April, BBC Director General Tony Hall announced that as part of an iPlayer revamp, the default programme catch-up period would be extended from seven days to 30. It's taken just over six months, but the BBC has now agreed the necessary terms with rights-holders and widened its playback window for TV and radio programmes. The extension complements its recent redesign and cross-device resumable playback features, but not all content will adhere to the BBC's new availability rules: current affairs programmes like Match of the Day, Crimewatch and news reports will still be exempt, meaning you'll have to get catch up on those long shots and mugshots before that weekly playback period expires.
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.
New Zealand ISP admits its free VPN exists just so people can watch Netflix
One of the most frustrating parts of trying to go legit with your movie watching is being restricted by Hollywood's windows and geofences that limit what's available to watch in your area. Of course, a network of third parties provide tools to help users go around and through the blocks, but now an ISP is taking the unusual step of getting directly involved. For the last year, New Zealand's Slingshot has offered a Global Mode VPN feature marketed for use by visitors from the US or UK. As a not-so-secret side effect it also let Kiwis pull in streams from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu and BBC iPlayer, but that wasn't mentioned -- until now. Slingshot General Manager Taryn Hamilton confirmed to the New Zealand Herald that "No beating around the bush. This is to watch Netflix," ending the ruse and opening it to all subscribers for free. [Image credit: Nathaniel Bell for Netflix]
Freeview planning to kill YouView with a new connected TV service
All's fair in love and war, especially if you're a major UK broadcaster. Once big investors in YouView, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have agreed plans to wound the service they helped create by doubling-down on Freeview. The three companies (joined by Sky and Arqiva) are attempting to secure the free-to-air service's future by developing a new branded connected TV platform that will bring on-demand (or catch-up) content to Freeview for the first time. The five-year deal will see TV channels and on-demand apps like iPlayer, ITV Player and 4oD come as standard on smart TVs with internet connections. It deliberately goes against BT and TalkTalk, which have been accused of taking YouView's free-to-air principles and turning it into a paid (and quite pricey, if you include the cost of the box) service. Given that Freeview is already widely supported, the Beeb et al. may find it easy to convince TV manufacturers to adopt a new connected variant. If they do, expect on-demand services to come embedded as standard in the near future.
BBC's major iPlayer update comes to iOS and Android
Incredibly, Windows Phone users were the first to see the BBC's big mobile iPlayer refresh, but platform parity has now been restored. Continuing its ongoing iPlayer revamp, the Beeb has launched updated versions of its iOS and Android apps, bringing with them up-to-date channel pages, themed programme collections and clearer categories. Both apps now sport a fresh new UI, making it easier to browse and find programmes, and displays subtitles on downloaded shows for the first time. Other sections of the app like Favourites, Downloads and Search remain unchanged, but the BBC says it intends to deliver new features "at regular intervals," including options like Live Rewind and continuous play. However, the most notable upcoming feature is likely to be Netflix-like cross-platform playback, allowing you to play, stop and pick up where you left off on any device.
Revamped iPlayer app for Windows Phone adds live TV but drops radio
Windows Phone users typically have to wait longer for apps and updates than their iOS and Android counterparts, but the latest BBC iPlayer rollout tips things back in Microsoft's favour. As part of its ongoing iPlayer revamp, the Beeb has pushed live an new version of the Windows Phone app, delivering up-to-date channel pages, themed programme collections and clearer categories. On top of that, the app has a new media player that automatically delivers the best quality streams depending on a user's connection. Windows Phone users will also be able to watch live TV for the first time, but the feature comes at a cost. Radio content will no longer be available after the BBC decided to cut the option in order to offer "the best TV viewing experience in iPlayer." The good news is that the iPlayer Radio team expects to release a new app with "an optimised listening experience," meaning users won't have to go too long without access to The Archers.
BBC brings its revamped iPlayer to Sky+ HD boxes
Sky's in the middle of rolling out a big electronic programme guide (EPG) update to connected Sky+HD boxes. Part of that overhaul will see it present new ways to deliver online content, which has opened the door for the BBC to extend its latest iPlayer revamp beyond the desktop. The Beeb says it has worked closely with Sky to overhaul and update its aging iPlayer UI, making it easier for you to access programmes and navigate through listings, but also provide access to iPlayer exclusives and premieres (think Glastonbury or Radio 1's Big Weekend) for the very first time. If you haven't got it the new programme guide just yet, sit tight, Sky says it will have completed the rollout by the end of May.
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."
Stream: Jonah from Tonga
Now that the BBC is killing off BBC Three, the corporation is pushing viewers over to iPlayer. Auntie is testing the waters by letting users binge-watch (Netflix-style) Chris Lilley's comedy Jonah from Tonga over the weekend. The spin-off from Summer Heights High sees young Jonah Takalua try to navigate school, and will be available to watch on BBC Three in the old-fashioned way from next Thursday. We haven't seen the show yet, but we figure that if you're already a fan of Lilley's unique sensibilities, then this will be a must-watch. Jonah from Tonga is available to stream in its entirety for the next 48 hours on BBC iPlayer.
Stream: The Science of Soil
Most people take soil for granted, assuming that if you shove a seed into some dirt and add some water, hey presto. Stick it under an electron microscope, however, and you suddenly see a whole microcosm that exists beneath our feet. Landscape gardener Chris Beardshaw takes us on a tour to see why soil is so important, what risks it faces and what happens to it when we're not paying attention. It may not seem like the most entertaining subject for a TV documentary, but there's plenty of useful facts about dirt that you'll be able to wheel out the next time you go for a walk. Unless you're a germophobe, of course. Deep Down and Dirty, The Science of Soil is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer and Sky streaming apps go dark on iOS (update: both fixed)
If you've experienced problems trying to access BBC iPlayer or Sky's streaming apps on your iPhone or iPad today, you're not alone. In what appears to be a connected issue, both companies have confirmed that users are currently unable to access their streaming services on an Apple device. Right now, Android phones and tablets remain unaffected, while Netflix continues to enjoy trouble-free playback. The BBC reports that some users have been able to circumvent Now TV errors by setting their iOS clock back by 24 hours, suggesting that the issues are date related. However, the workaround may stop other apps from operating normally. Both the BBC and Sky say they're working hard to restore access to their services, but are unable to say exactly when they expect to be able to do so. Update: The BBC says things are back up and running for iPlayer on iOS, however we haven't received an update from Sky yet. Update deux: Not that Sky's support page is any help right now, but at least it's providing timestamped updates as to the state of its services on iThings. They're still down, if you hadn't guessed. Update 4/18: Sky Go is finally back up and running as well, although iOS users will need an app update (download here) to get things going again.
The BBC wants you to binge-watch its new BBC Three series on iPlayer
The BBC isn't due to transition BBC Three to an online-only channel until late next year, but that isn't stopping it from testing the waters first. The Beeb confirmed today that for the first time, it will make a complete series available on BBC iPlayer before airing it on TV, allowing you to indulge in a Netflix-style binge (should you so wish). All six episodes of Chris Lilley's Jonah From Tonga, a new show from the Australian comedian behind Angry Boys and Summer Heights High, will go live on iPlayer from May 2nd for 48 hours. It'll then be broadcast on BBC Three from May 8th. While critics believe the BBC's decision to take the popular TV channel online will be "bad for comedy", it'll ultimately be up to the public to decide whether it was right to do so.
BBC iPlayer app now supports downloads on nearly all Android devices
The BBC has allowed Android users to download programmes since September last year, but that functionality was only extended to 11 of the most popular Android devices at the time. While its slowly expanded support over the past seven months, the Beeb today welcomed the majority of Android iPlayer users to the party, updating the app to allow downloads on devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and above. To put it in perspective: 96 percent of current BBC iPlayer users now have a smartphone or tablet capable of storing programmes for offline playback.
BBC to extend iPlayer catch-up period to 30 days
Remember when the BBC's latest chief pledged to revamp the iPlayer? His bosses at the BBC Trust have just rubber-stamped the decision to extend the catch-up window from seven days to 30. The changes will take some time to implement, since there's various technical and legal hoops to jump through, but the corporation expects the new system to be in place by the summer. Happy viewing.
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 makes popular TV channel 'online only' to cut costs (update)
The BBC TV channel that spawned comedic classics like Little Britain and Gavin & Stacey looks set to be taken off-air as part of a cost-cutting drive. BBC Three won't be killed off completely, however -- if regulators approve, the plan is to make it an online-only channel that would somehow still serve up fresh content aimed at 16- to 34-year-olds, but do so more cheaply. The idea isn't hugely shocking, perhaps, given the recent pressure on the BBC's taxpayer-funded budget and the increasing focus on iPlayer as an alternative to terrestrial broadcasts. Nevertheless, many critics have already spoken out, including the star of Little Britain, Matt Lucas, who said it would be "bad for comedy." There's a #SaveBBC3 movement gathering steam on Twitter and, if history is anything to go by, it might actually have a chance of succeeding -- a move to shut down BBC Radio 6 was reversed following a similar outcry back in 2010. Update: Aaaaaand it's official. If the BBC Trust approve, BBC Three will be closed in the fall of 2015, with £30 million of its budget going to BBC One and the rest of the programming becoming online-only.
BBC head wants all iPlayer users to pony up the licence fee
The BBC's budget is getting squeezed, and as such, everyone who uses its service is going to be made to pay up. Lord Hall, the BBC's Director-General, has announced that he's pushing to close the famous iPlayer Loophole, adding around £72 million to the corporation's budget. Currently, only Britons who watch live broadcasts on TV or online have to pay the £145.50 annual fee -- but around 500,000 homes avoid the charge by only watching shows after they've aired. The move will require approval from government, but we can't see it resisting -- the other option to save money is to axe BBC Four, and that just won't do.
Daily news roundup for January 7, 2014
Good morning! Welcome to the morning news roundup for January 7, 2014. Pebble introduces the Steel watch. Can't wait for the rumored iWatch? Pebble has got you covered with their new watch that won't look anything like Apple's. Broadcom SDK eases Apple AirPlay implementation. Chipmaker Broadcom has introduced a new software development kit that makes it easier for manufacturers to add Apple's AirPlay audio wireless streaming support to products. The BBC iPlayer is now more popular on tablets than on any other platform. The BBC has announced that viewing of its iPlayer streaming service on tablets like the iPad has overtaken PCs for the first time ever. It's another sign that we are in Steve Jobs' post-PC era. Apple to announce its quarterly earning on January 27. Apple will announce its all-important holiday earnings on January 27 at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET. As usual, iPhone and iPad sales are the things investors will care about most, but so are forward-looking statements. Apple's 'Red Friday' Lunar New Year sale coming up on January 10 in Asia. Apple will be taking part in its annual 'Red Friday' Lunar New Year sale this Friday, January 10. Red Friday in Asia is similar to Black Friday in America. No word yet on Apple's deals, but if you live in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan or Thailand, you'll find out soon enough. Man sues Apple for a pattern of discriminatory behavior. A Mr. Terel Gray (or "Terrel Gray") has sued Apple over what he claims to be a pattern of discriminatory behavior at its retail stores. This is a very odd story -- the filing itself is full of typos and grammatical errors, and even spells Mr. Gray's name two different ways.
BBC iPlayer tablet viewing overtakes PC for the first time
If you needed further proof tablets are affecting PC usage, the BBC has something it wants to you show you. Eight months after it first saw iPlayer viewing on tablets overtake phones, the broadcaster reports that over Christmas, the rise in iPad, Hudl and sales of other slates helped push tablet viewing past PC streaming for the first time in iPlayer history. The BBC says it saw almost a million downloads (941,000 to be exact) of its iPlayer mobile apps between December 21st and New Year's Day, as viewers rushed to catch up on the Beeb's festive programming. Although PCs overtook tablets again before the New Year, the return of big shows like Sherlock could positively skew tablet viewing figures once more, giving us an idea of what trends to expect in the coming year.
BBC iPlayer Radio gets Playlister support
The BBC has released an updated version of its BBC iPlayer Radio app that adds Playlister support. BBC's Playlister is a new service that allows users to add any song they hear across the BBC's properties to a Playlister playlist. The playlists can then be exported to other music services like Spotify, YouTube and Deezer, where users can listen to the track in full at any time. Once exported, the tracks can be played on the exported music services across all OSes and on all platforms. What's New in Version 1.3.0 BBC Playlister - get more of the music you love Any time you hear a piece of music you love on the BBC, hit the Playlister '+' button and that track will be waiting in Playlister for you to enjoy later from your mobile, tablet or computer. As well as building up your own personal playlist of tracks, you can export* and listen to them on your chosen music service and discover new music with recommendations from across the BBC. *Export service is limited on mobile devices at present. If you choose to export to YouTube you may not see your Playlist reflected there until you sign-in to your YouTube account. BBC iPlayer Radio is a free download. Users can register for a Playlister ID here.
