BBC debuts new iPlayer beta

Jne 26, 2008 - The BBC has debuted a beta version of its new iPlayer with added features including greater integration of television and radio shows and a content recommendation engine.

The BBC's Radio Player is being integrated with iPlayer and the new beta offering will include a full schedule of radio listings, as well as the facility to rewind and fast forward BBC radio content. The content recommendation element will bring together information on iPlayer users' browsing habits, including what they have watched, how long they have watched a programme for and the last ten programmes that have been accessed. These steps are reportedly preparatory to the introduction of a registration service and the launch of a full content recommendation service later this year, which will allow users to create an online library and create personal channels of favourite content

"We are not trying to make another YouTube and we are not trying to make another iTunes," said Anthony Rose, Head of BBC Digital Media Technologies. "The key thing for us is long-form and episodic content." Erik Huggers, Group Controller of Future Media and Technology for the corporation, added: "The next generation of BBC iPlayer allows UK licence fee payers to catch up on their favourite BBC TV and radio programmes in one place - a completely unique on-demand service. Audiences are now able to experience the full range of BBC content - some 250 TV programmes currently available each week as well as all the BBC radio networks - in a new and more accessible way, and all for free."

The new look iPlayer will also reportedly provide a more "cinematic" experience, with a larger playback screen. The BBC has revealed that there have now been over 100mn requests for iPlayer programmes since its full launch on Christmas Day of last year.