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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's 'Moving On' will be the first drama to premiere on iPlayer later this fall
BBC's iPlayer is shaping up to be a workaholic's best friend for lazy weekends. This time, it's the fifth season of daytime drama Moving On that's hitting the service, which has also scored 30-day catch-up programming and exclusive content in recent months. While the network has previously experimented with pre-TV airing, it has focused on comedies like BBC Three's Jack Whitehall's Bad Education -- this marks the first time a drama will premiere on iPlayer. There's no word on when Moving On will debut online other than that it'll happen sometime this fall, and that all five standalone episodes will be available at once. According to the BBC, this is all part of a trial that explores "the role of online premiering," so we can likely expect more titles to follow suit in the future.
Three more Android devices now support BBC iPlayer app's offline viewing
Only 11 devices supported BBC iPlayer's offline viewing feature when it arrived on Android, but now three more have passed the network's thorough testing process. Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 mini are joining that initial list, thanks to the app's latest update on Google Play. The feature lets you download shows and save episodes for up to 30 days on your phone or tablet, although that timespan shortens to 7 days after the first time you press play. If your gadget still isn't included in that slightly longer roster -- a shame if you've been wanting to watch that particular EastEnders episode -- don't worry. BBC says the app will be able to add offline viewing support to more devices in the future without the need for another update. Update: You can also add the Kindle Fire 7 and Kindle Fire 7 HD to that list, assuming your tastes run to Amazon's Appstore. Senior Product Manager David Berlin also provided more context for the slow rollout, stating that some devices experienced bugs that caused hard resets or disabled the iPlayer app entirely. Because of those issues, the network has chosen to test thoroughly before enabling support, even on newer high-powered hardware.
BBC to offer 30-day catch-up and more online shows as part of iPlayer revamp
The BBC believes it's only just getting started with its iPlayer catch-up service and has laid out new plans for it to become the corporation's primary source of digital content. Led by Director-General Tony Hall, the BBC says it will commit to more exclusive content for online audiences, focusing on popular brands like Doctor Who and Eastenders, while extending the availability of catch-up shows from seven to 30 days so you can watch them back at a more convenient time. Hall's new "vision" will also include the launch of "BBC Store" -- an online marketplace that allows you to buy TV shows and keep them forever (if you live in the UK). Currently, TV shows can be downloaded to a number of devices, but are subject to time restrictions. The broadcaster wants to double its online audience by 2022 -- reaching 500 million users a week by the time it celebrates its centenary. In order to do this, the BBC wants to change the perception of iPlayer as a catch-up service and position it as destination that allows you to curate your own TV viewing schedule. With access to more content before it is on TV, the BBC will provide options to pause and resume viewing on one screen to another, also letting you provide feedback on the shows that you'd like to see more (or less) of. The BBC plans to relaunch iPlayer in the first half of 2014, putting it on a level footing with its traditional TV channels.
BBC explains why it took so long to add downloads to iPlayer for Android
Wondering why the BBC brought iPlayer downloads to just 11 Android devices, several months after iOS users got their turn? The broadcaster has just explained itself through a blog post detailing the Android app's testing process. Like Netflix, the BBC had to focus its support on a handful of Android products in order to launch on time; this supports what we've heard from our own sources, who suggest that iPlayer development is normally arduous. To address as much hardware as possible on a tight schedule, the network conducted frequent, iterative tests that guaranteed compatibility relatively quickly. While the end result still leaves a lot of viewers without downloads, the BBC suggests that its testing process introduced the feature sooner than would have otherwise been possible. Whether or not you're happy with the finished product, you can check out the corporation's full methodology at the source link.
BBC iPlayer Radio adds podcasts downloads
The BBC has added a long-requested feature to its iPlayer Radio app: podcast downloads. Version 1.2 allows users to download a podcast over WiFi and listen to it any time they want, even without an internet connection. The podcast download feature follows in the footsteps of a feature in the main BBC iPlayer app, which lets you download video content and watch it on a device without an internet connection. "With over 3 million downloads and counting, the BBC iPlayer Radio app is evolving," James Simcock, executive producer of Mobile and Radio at the BBC said in a blog post. "Since we first launched the app, we've been listening closely to audience feedback with a view to make continuous improvements to the apps. I'm proud to say that we've now implemented the single most requested new feature -- podcast downloads." "This means that you can grab a copy of your favourite podcasts to listen to on or offline, straight from the app. We've added simple controls to choose whether to allow downloads when on mobile networks or just on WiFi (to avoid data charges), to 'queue' as many downloads as you like and to manage your downloaded content quickly and easily via the new 'My Downloads' section of the app. You'll find this new section in the 'More' menu on iOS devices." iPlayer Radio is a free download.
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 Android finally supports downloads on some ICS, Jelly Bean devices
BBC iPlayer viewers with Android devices have been left waiting for many features, and until today one of them was the ability to download shows for offline viewing. A fresh update is changing that, as the broadcaster is enabling it (as long as you're on WiFi) on several devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean. A blog post claims it should cover about 70 percent of app users with compatible devices will be able to use the feature starting today, with more to be added in the future. Just like on iOS, users can download an episode and keep it for up to 30 days offline, with 7 days for viewing after they've pressed play. A BBC blog post specifically lists 11 devices (included after the break) that will enjoy support once the update arrives on Google Play and the Amazon Appstore today. Unfortunately, two that aren't on it for now are the Kindle Fire 7 and Kindle Fire HD 7. BBC says it's working on those, and the FAQ claims if your device has ICS or higher there's a "strong" chance support will arrive in the coming months. The update for iOS offline viewing launched just over a year ago, but the Android version will bring a trick it doesn't have: background downloading without keeping the screen awake. Otherwise, the update adds support for Android 4.3, and "addresses some known issues."
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 premiere new shows on iPlayer
In a sign of the times, BBC Three announced this week that the second series of Jack Whitehall's Bad Education will air on its mobile iPlayer about a week before it airs on TV. Other scripted comedy programs from BBC Three will also follow the same format. BBC reported yesterday: Kicking off with the second series of Jack Whitehall's Bad Education, viewers will be able to enjoy their favourite BBC Three scripted comedies on BBC iPlayer seven days before they are broadcast on TV. With BBC iPlayer now available on over 650 devices and platforms, this gives viewers even more chance to catch their favourite programme whenever and wherever they want to – at home, at work, or on the go. Today's announcement builds on BBC iPlayer's strategy to experiment and showcase more content within the service in 2013. In February, the BBC announced a separate trial which will see it premiere 40 hours of programming from other BBC channels on iPlayer - including Peter Kay's Car Share. And, earlier this month, BBC Three launched its latest batch of Comedy Feeds available to audiences exclusively via BBC iPlayer. It appears that we're transitioning from a dynamic where aired television episodes are quickly made available online to a situation where some shows are being released online first. The success of Arrested Development and House of Cards on Netflix further demonstrates this shift. What's more, the BBC this past March commissioned the development of an original dramatic Television series slated to air exclusively on iPlayer.
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 should support radio show downloads sometime next year
It turns out there's a reason why iPlayer hasn't supported downloads for radio shows in the UK: the executive wing of the BBC couldn't implement this feature without explicit permission from the BBC Trust, which in turn had to seek advice from the national regulator, Ofcom. Fortunately, these hoops have been hurdled and the Corporation now says it expects to enable downloads for iPlayer users "in 2014," giving them seven days to download a show after broadcast, up to 30 days to store it, and then seven days to listen to it once it's opened. This'll no doubt prove to be a popular feature, but since regular TV downloads still don't work on the iPlayer app for Android, we're kinda hoping the devs get that fixed first.
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.
BBC iPlayer coming to Windows Phone 8 today (updated)
Microsoft's Joe Belfiore has just tweeted that, at some point today, BBC iPlayer is coming to Windows Phone 8. It's been a long road getting to this point, as the BBC's and Microsoft's conflicting technologies don't play nicely with each other -- with this version being a browser-based shortcut rather than a fully-featured app. Still, for the legion of British Windows Phone users dying for their Doctor Who fix while on the go, something is far better than nothing. Update: And it's official, so head down to the Windows Store link below to start downloading.
iPlayer for Android update brings improved experience on Galaxy S III, Note 2 and Nexus 4, tablets to follow
Excuse us while we interrupt that episode of The Archers, but we thought users of BBC's iPlayer might like to know about the latest Android app update. In addition to various bug fixes, it promises a "much improved" viewing experience on heavy-hitting devices like the Galaxy S III and Note 2, plus the Nexus 4. The Beeb stopped short of spilling further details, but it does go on to confirm that it'll continue to apply spit-and-polish to the playback experience for as much hardware as it can, without having to wait for app updates. We hope this doesn't mean it'll be treading on any toes, of course. Fans of slightly bigger screens (which is more of you, apparently) can expect some attention soon -- a tablet update coming in the next release.
BBC iPlayer radio app finally starts broadcasting on Android and Kindle devices (video)
While the iPhone didn't even have a built-in FM radio to replace, Android phones have now started to forgo the radio tuner in the last few years as streaming services (and data reception) have improved. This time around, Beeb listeners can now access the iPlayer radio app, which has made the leap across from iOS. Not only will you be able to install it on your Android smartphone, but also Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet series. The new app doesn't use Flash, given its absence on most up-to-date versions of Google's mobile OS, instead using HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) to deliver your weekly doses of Doctor Who. There's even a handful of improvements over the iOS iteration, with the ability to use the iPlayer alarm function without keeping the app running overnight. Meanwhile, the radio app's design has been given a rethink for its Android debut, following the design and navigation notions of Google's homemade apps which should hopefully making sense to any seasoned Android 4.0 user. The BBC's Executive Producer James Simcock explains exactly what's been done differently at the source, but if you're not a "reading" kind of... reader, there's a trailer after the break.
BBC iPlayer viewing on tablets overtakes that on phones
When we think of BBC iPlayer use on mobile devices, we most often picture someone catching up on dramas with their smartphone during the commute home. Not anymore: newly available March stats from the Beeb reveal that tablet viewing has overtaken phone viewing for the first time. The difference is slight -- tablets are only 200,000 requests ahead, at 41 million -- but it's enough to suggest that many now prefer bigger screens when they're away from a computer or TV. While the broadcaster hasn't directly explained the change in demographics, it's not hard to see a possible explanation based on viewer habits. The BBC notes that most tablet-bound iPlayer users watch TV, and most iPlayer TV time overlaps that of traditional viewing, when audiences are more likely to be at home with the larger devices at hand. If you're one to curl up on the couch to watch Panorama on an iPad or Android slate, then, you may just be part of a growing trend.
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 details iPlayer's open source TV Application Layer
The modern challenge for any content distributor is maximizing its reach. That means doing everything -- within reason -- to get your content in front of those who might want it. That's easier said than done, no doubt, and the BBC's plan is to do whatever it takes to get iPlayer on every connected device you own. To that end it's created the TV Application Layer (TAL), which uses the latest web technologies, like HTML5, to do as much of the heavy lifting as possible for would-be hardware makers. The TAL provides a layer of abstraction that takes care of any difference in devices capabilities or controls, so that software built using it will continue to run on anything added to the BBC's certified list without the need for a new version. This in and of itself is admirable, but the BBC has taken it one step further and put the source code out there for all to see and use. The hope is that this will motivate others to contribute to the Layer, help other content owners reach their viewers, and increase the return on investment of all those TV taxes. The BBC currently uses the TAL for its iPlayer, BBC News and BBC Sport apps, as well as new connected Red Button experiences. The code is live at the source link below if you'd like to take a look.
BBC commissions first iPlayer-exclusive drama, sees which way the wind is blowing
A few weeks ago, the BBC began to ask "Where Next?" and just like magic, it's now revealing its future direction. The corporation is commissioning its first strand of original dramas that'll air exclusively on its iPlayer VOD service. The deal's rather minor, given that it'll feature six short films in two years that are aimed at BBC Three's "youth" audience, but we can't imagine this won't be followed by something meatier down the line. Perhaps we could see the corporation remaking its seminal series House of Cards... oh.
