BBC unveils the new iPlayer. Here’s what you need to know
The BBC has unveiled its new iPlayer today.
The new version will see the service get a design overhaul, along with plans to roll out a 30-day catch up availability. Speaking this morning, Dan Taylor, head of BBC iPlayer, said:
We've got ambitious plans for later in the year including extending the standard availability window from 7 days to 30 days.
There are also plans to introduce new IP only channels – like a Radio 1 video channel – subject to BBC Trust approval, he said.
The new version will have a “new look” but the same core functionality. You can preview it from today.
The redesign will include: more advanced recommendations – 42 per cent of people come to the site with nothing in mind to watch; smarter search functionality; groups of programmes curated around themes; better access to channels and categories and image-led navigation.
The BBC says the new version will give the "best ever playback experience". It'll also have a new look favourites section, allowing you to pick up where you left off and see things you've recently searched for.
BBC iPlayer, which was launched on Christmas day of 2007, is available on mobile, tablet, computer and TV. The app had been downloaded 28m, and in January of this year there were over 315m requests, averaging 10m a day.