New BBC iPlayer launched with a nod to Netflix

New Recommendation Feature, Accessibility Improved and Interface overhauled. Launches on web and Smart TVs today.

by hodg100
Movies & TV Shows News

16

New BBC iPlayer launched with a nod to Netflix
The BBC iPlayer has begun the rollout of a new version of the iPlayer for computers, tablets, mobiles and Smart TVs for the age of multiscreen entertainment.
Following research and user testing, from today, new web and TV versions will become available, whilst iPlayer mobile and tablet apps will be updated with the new interface in the coming months.

The new iPlayer has been designed for a multiscreen world, so the experience is consistent, but optimised across PC, tablet, mobile and TV devices. It’s also been built in such a way that it can rapidly developed and new features can quickly be released across its four new screens.

The new web version of iPlayer has been developed using responsive design, which means it can deliver the iPlayer experience to multiple different screen sizes, without building separate versions. It also means that if you share a link to iPlayer from your computer, it will work if you open it on your mobile or tablet browser.

A major focus of this release is making it easier to find something to watch, says Dan Taylor, Head of BBC iPlayer. According to their research, 42% of visitors now visit without a particular programme in mind.
42% visit with no idea what to watch - new features will help them!
New BBC iPlayer launched with a nod to Netflix

So they’ve created a brand new home screen that's simpler, more visual and easier to browse. There’s a consistent navigation bar along the top, providing access to channels and categories but the majority of the screen is dedicated to an image-led browsing experience.

Hovering over a programme image provides a short text description of the episode along with its duration and when it was first shown and each channel will get its own dedicated version.

There’s also a similar browsing experience for categories. The Factual genre has now been consigned to history and, in its stead, genres which users actually use in conversation have replaced it with new categories for Documentaries, Food, Arts, History, Science & Nature available.

And it’s not just genres. There are also categories for Audio Described and Signed content and for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In addition to the highlights view, each category also offers a full A-Z list, with details for every programme in that category.
Collections will now be better highlighted
Collections is another new addition to BBC iPlayer which aid discovery by grouping programmes by series, season, event or theme.
The new playback page has also been optimised with all the key information you need to decide whether to watch and simple navigation to other episodes from the same series, in case you were after a different one.

The new web version of iPlayer makes use of the BBC’s new Standard Media Player which enables them to more easily develop plug-ins to enhance the playback experience. As an example, if you’re enjoying a programme and decide you don’t want to miss out on future episodes you can now add it to your Favourites without leaving the playback experience.

Also, at the end of an episode, if the next episode in the series is available, it will be cued up – Netflix style. In another nod to the various popular streaming services, the player will also now offer you suggestions of other programmes you may enjoy, powered by a new and improved recommendation engine.

New BBC iPlayer launched with a nod to Netflix

According to Mr Taylor, they’ve not forgotten about the 58% of users who arrive knowing exactly what they're looking for, with the introduction of Find tools.

There’s a ‘Find a Programme’ box, which not only remembers your recent searches, but also suggests what you might be looking for as soon as you start typing. So, if you type ‘M’ you can get straight to Match of the Day. This seems like basic stuff but should really enhance the experience.

The Recently Watched section now lets you easily resume watching a programme you were part way through or find new episodes of a series you've been enjoying.
Plans afoot to extend standard availability from 7 to 30 days.
New BBC iPlayer launched with a nod to Netflix

Accessibility has also been one of the key themes of the new iPlayer. Pages are organised visually into sections with clear headings to ensure both sighted users and blind users with screen readers can navigate content across desktop, tablet and mobile seamlessly. There are also improvements to the Standard Media Player to support users with different set ups including keyboard-only users, screen reader users and voice input users.

Audio description, signed and subtitled content are at the heart of the offering. Subtitles are available on catch-up content via the media player itself (just click/tap the ‘S’ icon) and soon they will be adding support for Audio Described and subtitled programmes on mobile and tablet browsers.

But they’re not stopping there and Taylor says they have plans for later in the year including extending the standard availability window from 7 days to 30 days and introducing new IP only channels (such as a Radio 1 video channel), subject to approval from the BBC Trust. There are also a range of new personalisation features in the offing but they’re remaining tight-lipped on those for the time being.

So readers, what do you think of the new iPlayer and has it rolled out to your Smart TV yet?

Source: BBC
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