The BBC has unveiled a new version of its successful online television service, the iPlayer, with the goal of “reinventing” the way media are accessed.
The iPlayer, which has been used to view 100m videos since its launch last Christmas, will feature a fresh design and fully integrated radio. The corporation hopes the new version will help capitalise on a popularity that has seen some shows such as The Mighty Boosh attracting 40 per cent of their audience online.
Erik Huggers, BBC group controller for future media and technology, said the new release “sets us up for a world where this becomes a much more personalised service”.
In future the new-look iPlayer will make programme recommendations, based on previous viewing habits, and create online libraries and “virtual channels”.
Design improvements include a “carousel” interface and the ability to browse TV and radio schedules together, and to pick up midway through interrupted programmes.
Radio listeners will hear improved sound quality and be able to rewind programmes – a small but hard-won concession in the BBC’s ongoing discussion with content owners. “Our long-term goal is that all of the linear output of the BBC is available via iPlayer,” said Mr Huggers, up from about half of TV shows today.
The upgraded iPlayer technology paves the way for more new services this year, such as text-message alerts of new episodes and better full-screen picture quality.
Story source:
ft.com
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