BBC iPlayer is an internet streaming, catchup, television and former radio service from the BBC. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, personal computers, and smart televisions. iPlayer services delivered to UK-based viewers feature no commercial advertising. The terms BBC iPlayer, iPlayer, and BBC Media Player refer to various methods for viewing or listening to the same content. Viewing or recording live television broadcasts from any UK broadcaster, or viewing BBC TV catch-up or BBC TV on demand programmes in the UK without a TV licence is a criminal offence.[2]
In 2015, the BBC reported that it was moving towards playing audio and video content via open HTML5 standards in web browsers rather than via Flash or their Media Player mobile app.[3]
On 17 October 2018, the BBC 'iPlayer Radio' brand was replaced with BBC Sounds.[4]
In 2015, the BBC reported that it was moving towards playing audio and video content via open HTML5 standards in web browsers rather than via Flash or their Media Player mobile app.[3]
On 17 October 2018, the BBC 'iPlayer Radio' brand was replaced with BBC Sounds.[4]
In 2015, the BBC reported that it was moving towards playing audio and video content via open HTML5 standards in web browsers rather than via Flash or their Media Player mobile app.[3]
On 17 October 2018, the BBC 'iPlayer Radio' brand was replaced with BBC Sounds.[4]
BBC Redux was developed as a proof of concept for a cross-platform, Flash Video-based streaming system.[5]:15 BBC iPlayer left beta and went live on 25 December 2007.[6] On 25 June 2008, a new-look iPlayer was launched, originally as a beta-test version alongside the earlier version.[7] The site tagline was "Catch up on the last 7 days of BBC TV & Radio", reflecting that programmes were unavailable on iPlayer after this time (with some exceptions). The BBC state on their website that this is due to copyright reasons. The marketing slogan was later changed to "Making the unmissable, unmissable". In May 2010 the site was updated again, to include a recommendations feature and a "social makeover".[8]
In February 2011, the BBC iPlayer was once again modified to include links to programmes from other broadcasters, including ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, Channel 5, 5Star, 5USA and S4C. The feature was added to the search function and the channels function. When users click on a programme by another broadcaster, they are redirected to the relevant broadcaster's catch up service (either the ITV Hub, All 4 or My5).[9]
In April 2014, BBC iPlayer was once again relaunched with a new look and a different user interface. From October 2014, the BBC extended the programme availability for programmes on iPlayer from 7 days to 30 days. However, due to legal reasons, most news bulletins are only available for 24 hours after initial broadcast (with the exception of World Business Report, Business Live, Victoria Derbyshire, Daily Politics, Politics Europe, Sunday Politics and Newsnight) .[10] Some archive programming is available for the long term, such as Timewatch.
Specific applications for mobile platforms were launched in February 2011. These were initially for iOS and Android devices, where the launch would have the biggest impact.[11]
The original iPlayer service was launched in October 2005, undergoing a five-month trial by five thousand broadband users until 28 February 2006. iPlayer was heavily criticised for delay in its launch, rebranding, and cost to BBC licence-fee payers, because no finished product had been released after four years of development.[12] A new, improved iPlayer service then had another very limited user trial which began on 15 November 2006. At various times during its development, iPlayer was known as the Integrated Media Player (iMP),[13][14] Interactive Media Player,[15] and MyBBCPlayer.[16]
The iPlayer received the approval of the BBC Trust on 30 April 2007, and an open beta for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 was launched at midnight on 27 July 2007, where it was announced that only a fixed number of people would be able to sign up for the service, with a controlled increase in users over the summer.[17] The BBC had been criticised for saying that the iPlayer would 'launch' on 27 July 2007, when what was on offer was simply an extension of the beta to an open beta, admitting more users in a controlled manner.[18] This was done reportedly to allow British ISPs and the BBC to gauge the effect of the iPlayer traffic on the Internet within the UK.
The open beta incorporated a media player, an electronic programme guide (EPG) and specially designed download client, and allowed the download of BBC Television content by computers assigned to a United Kingdom-based IP address, for use up to thirty days after broadcast. However, it was available only to users of Windows XP.
This was a controversial decision by the BBC, which led to a petition against the decision being posted on 10 Downing Street's e-petition website.[19] The petition reached 16,082 signatures on 20 August 2007. The response from the Government was:
... the Trust noted the strong public demand for the service to be available on a variety of operating systems. The BBC Trust made it a condition of approval for the BBC's on-demand services that the iPlayer is available to users of a range of operating systems, and has given a commitment that it will ensure that the BBC meets this demand as soon as possible. They will measure the BBC's progress on this every six months and publish the findings.[20][21]
On 16 October 2007, the BBC announced a strategic relationship with Adobe, that would bring a limited, streaming-only version of the iPlayer to Mac and Linux users, and Windows users who cannot or do not wish to use the iPlayer download service, such as Windows 9x users.[22] The streaming service was launched on 13 December 2007.[23] Most programmes can be viewed for up to seven days after broadcast, unlike the thirty days provided by the download service.[23]
Since January 2008, iPlayer has supported Mozilla Firefox under the
In February 2011, the BBC iPlayer was once again modified to include links to programmes from other broadcasters, including ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, Channel 5, 5Star, 5USA and S4C. The feature was added to the search function and the channels function. When users click on a programme by another broadcaster, they are redirected to the relevant broadcaster's catch up service (either the ITV Hub, All 4 or My5).[9]
In April 2014, BBC iPlayer was once again relaunched with a new look and a different user interface. From October 2014, the BBC extended the programme availability for programmes on iPlayer from 7 days to 30 days. However, due to legal reasons, most news bulletins are only available for 24 hours after initial broadcast (with the exception of World Business Report, Business Live, Victoria Derbyshire, Daily Politics, Politics Europe, Sunday Politics and Newsnight) .[10] Some archive programming is available for the long term, such as Timewatch.
Specific applications for mobile platforms were launched in February 2011. These were initially for iOS and Android devices, where the launch would have the biggest impact.[11]
The original iPlayer service was launched in October 2005, undergoing a five-month trial by five thousand broadband users until 28 February 2006. iPlayer was heavily criticised for delay in its launch, rebranding, and cost to BBC licence-fee payers, because no finished product had been released after four years of development.[12] A new, improved iPlayer service then had another very limited user trial which began on 15 November 2006. At various times during its development, iPlayer was known as the Integrated Media Player (iMP),[13][14] Interactive Media Player,[15] and MyBBCPlayer.[16]
The iPlayer received the approval of the BBC Trust on 30 April 2007, and an open beta for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 was launched at m
The iPlayer received the approval of the BBC Trust on 30 April 2007, and an open beta for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 was launched at midnight on 27 July 2007, where it was announced that only a fixed number of people would be able to sign up for the service, with a controlled increase in users over the summer.[17] The BBC had been criticised for saying that the iPlayer would 'launch' on 27 July 2007, when what was on offer was simply an extension of the beta to an open beta, admitting more users in a controlled manner.[18] This was done reportedly to allow British ISPs and the BBC to gauge the effect of the iPlayer traffic on the Internet within the UK.
The open beta incorporated a media player, an electronic programme guide (EPG) and specially designed download client, and allowed the download of BBC Television content by computers assigned to a United Kingdom-based IP address, for use up to thirty days after broadcast. However, it was available only to users of Windows XP.
This was a controversial decision by the BBC, which led to a petition against the decision being posted on 10 Downing Street's e-petition website.[19] The petition reached 16,082 signatures on 20 August 2007. The response from the Government was:
... the Trust noted the strong public demand for the service to be available on a variety of operating systems. The BBC Trust made it a condition of approval for the BBC's on-demand services that the iPlayer is available to users of a range of operating systems, and has given a commitment that it will ensure that the BBC meets this demand as soon as possible. They will measure the BBC's progress on this every six months and publish the findings.[20][21]
On 16 October 2007, the BBC announced a strategic relationship with Adobe, that would bring a limited, streaming-only version of the iPlayer to Mac and Linux users, and Windows users who cannot or do not wish to use the iPlayer download service, such as Windows 9x users.[22] The streaming service was launched on 13 December 2007.[23] Most programmes can be viewed for up to seven days after broadcast, unlike the thirty days provided by the download service.[23]
Since Janua
Since January 2008, iPlayer has supported Mozilla Firefox under the Microsoft Windows platform for downloading content.[24]
Before the iPlayer had even launched, it was announced that the BBC, alongside ITV and Channel 4, were intending to launch a new video on demand platform, provisionally named Kangaroo. It was intended that Kangaroo would complement the video on demand services that these channels were already offering, including the iPlayer, by making programmes available once their "catch up" period expires.[25] The Kangaroo project was eventually abandoned after being blocked by the Competition Commission early in 2009.
Following a deal between the BBC and cable television provider Virgin Media, the iPlayer service was made available through the provider's on-demand service.[26] The cable service launched on 30 April 2008,[27] and keeps the look and feel of the BBC iPlayer program.[27]
In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the BBC revealed that as of 8 April 2008 the iPlayer had so far cost £6 million to develop.[28]
On 23 August 2008, a new feature, Series Stacking, was announced.[29] This feature started being rolled out on 13 September 2008, and allowed viewers to watch previous programmes from selected series until the series has ended, with a limit of up to thirteen weeks after first broadcast.[30] Not all programmes will form part of the stack, however. The BBC Trust permitted 15% of content to be offered as part of the stacking service; soaps, news bulletins and review-based programmes will not be stacked, nor programmes containing material of a legal nature, such as Crimewatch.
On 19 December 2008, the BBC released, as part of the iPlayer Labs feature, iPlayer Desktop for OS X and Linux operating systems. This moved the download service away from the previous P2P-based distribution model and onto an HTTP download model.[31][32][33][34]
On 20 April 2009, the BBC incorporated high-definition streams and downloads of some content on the iPlayer. There are plans to roll out the HD streams to devices such as the Virgin Set Top Box, but no date has yet been set. An iPlayer application for the PlayStation 3 was announced by Sony in August 2009 and was released on 1 September 2009 along with the Firmware 3.0 update to coincide with the launch of the slimline PlayStation 3.[35]
Another version of iPlayer was released in late 2009 as a 'channel' for the Nintendo Wii. This shows only low definition videos of BBC shows up to seven days after their release on television.
On 28 July 2011, BBC Worldwide released an international version of the iPlayer.[36]
Speaking in 2012, Ralph Rivera, BBC Director of Future Media, said that "In the same way as the BBC has a role in making sure there is a healthy TV ecosystem, the BBC should be playing the same sort of role in the digital sector. It's part of why we have a licence fee."[37]
BBC Radio services delivered via iPlayer were relaunched on 8 October 2012 under the BBC iPlayer Radio brand. The rebranded service offered different functionality to the main iPlayer interface and a BBC iPlayer Radio smartphone app was also launched.[38]
On 26 September 2013 BBC iPlayer Desktop was replaced by BBC iPlayer Downloads, which was no longer based on Adobe AIR. On the same date the BBC stopped making programmes available to download in WMV format.[39][40]
The BBC discontinued the RSS feed for iPlayer TV content in October 2014.[41] This stopped some third-party tools such as the get_iplayer content downloader from working.[42] In March 2016 an unofficial site restored access to this information.[43]
In September 2015 it was revealed that as part of Tony Hall's "open BBC" strategy, coming primarily in response to budget cuts across the BBC that will require it to discontinue or factor some of its services, the BBC planned to offer third-party content through iPlayer in the future, as well as launch a spin-off, iPlay, which would be tailored towards children's content.[44][45]
In September 2016, support for older Freeview and Freesat receivers manufactured between 2010 and 2014 was dropped.[46]
On 30 October 2018, the BBC relaunched its iPlayer Radio services as BBC Sounds, including a newly designed website and mobile apps.[4][47]
Prior to September 2016, a television licence was not required to stream either BBC television or radio programmes from iPlayer which had already been broadcast, though a licence was still required in order to watch live content. Since 1 September 2016, a television licence is required to view any iPlayer content, regardless of whether it is live or on-demand.[48] Despite the requirement, the enforcement of this measure only uses a trust system, under which users must acknowledge a pop-up window warning of the new requirements. Neither the BBC, nor TV Licensing, announced any specific plans to implement detection measures.[49]
In September 2016, the BBC also announced that users would eventually be required to sign in with a BBC ID account to access non-children's content on the service.[50][51]< In September 2016, the BBC also announced that users would eventually be required to sign in with a BBC ID account to access non-children's content on the service.[50][51] In May 2017, iPlayer began to encourage users to login with a BBC ID in preparation for this change. Media outlets suggested that the account requirement was intended to help the BBC collect personal information that could be used to trace those who are evading TV Licensing whilst using iPlayer; Andrew Scott, launch director of the ongoing myBBC initiative, stated that the BBC may use account email addresses, along with existing methods, to help identify iPlayer users who do not hold a television licence. However, he repeatedly said that the account system was primarily intended to provide personalization features across BBC properties, such as content recommendations on iPlayer, and the ability to continue watching a programme on one device from where it was left off on another.[52][53][54]
One of the key features of the original iPlayer download service was the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) technology to enable the distribution of large video files (i.e. TV programmes) to scale effectively. Once downloaded, the content was only playable within the iPlayer itself or Windows Media Player 10 or 11, and subject to digital rights management.
In December 2008 the BBC moved to an Adobe AIR-based client that downloaded content via HTTP rather than P2P. The new system replaced the Windows DRM system with Adobe's own. DRM software prevents it being directly copied to another medium (e.g. another computer or CD-ROM), and allowed the BBC to control how long the programmes remain watchable. Programmes were available for download for seven days following broadcast. Once a programme is downloaded a user had thirty days to start watching it; after starting to watch, a programme remained available for the next seven days. Using the online streaming service most programmes became unavailable from the website after 7 days.
There was criticism levelled at the iPlayer's use of KService from Kontiki, the peer-to-peer application which continued to use users' bandwidth even after the iPlayer had been shut down.Adobe AIR-based client that downloaded content via HTTP rather than P2P. The new system replaced the Windows DRM system with Adobe's own. DRM software prevents it being directly copied to another medium (e.g. another computer or CD-ROM), and allowed the BBC to control how long the programmes remain watchable. Programmes were available for download for seven days following broadcast. Once a programme is downloaded a user had thirty days to start watching it; after starting to watch, a programme remained available for the next seven days. Using the online streaming service most programmes became unavailable from the website after 7 days.
There was criticism levelled at the iPlayer's use of KService from Kontiki, the peer-to-peer application which continued to use users' bandwidth even after the iPlayer had been shut down.[55] However, the Kontiki P2P system was not used after the new client was introduced in December 2008.[34]
The client offered an electronic programme guide (EPG) with listings for both the previous seven and next seven days' programmes; selecting a programme which had already been broadcast began downloading it immediately, while those not yet shown would be downloaded when available. It was not possible to schedule a series to be automatically downloaded when the next episode becomes available.[citation needed]
The BBC's streaming version of iPlayer, using Adobe Flash software, was launched on 13 December 2007.[56] The BBC made use of the Christmas period to trumpet the new service with the tagline 'Making the unmissable... unmissable', and the service came out of beta on 25 December 2007.[6] Also, seasonal specials were followed routinely throughout the Christmas week with plugs for iPlayer.[57]
The streaming version of iPlayer offered replays of programmes broadcast on all national BBC TV channels and S4C during the last seven days.[58][58] Due to licensing agreements, all international and some privately produced TV shows and movies are not available on iPlayer.[59]
On 25 June 2008, the BBC announced that they had been developing a new version of the iPlayer based on user feedback – it was then called "BBC iPlayer 2.0".[60] New features included combining the normal television iPlayer with the radio iPlayer, schedules of programmes due to be on the iPlayer, automatic resumption of the last programme watched, an increase in the size of the screen by 25% to 640 pixels wide, RSS feeds of iPlayer data, and a "Yesterday's TV" function.[60] The beta ran alongside the existing site until 3 July 2008 On 25 June 2008, the BBC announced that they had been developing a new version of the iPlayer based on user feedback – it was then called "BBC iPlayer 2.0".[60] New features included combining the normal television iPlayer with the radio iPlayer, schedules of programmes due to be on the iPlayer, automatic resumption of the last programme watched, an increase in the size of the screen by 25% to 640 pixels wide, RSS feeds of iPlayer data, and a "Yesterday's TV" function.[60] The beta ran alongside the existing site until 3 July 2008, when a new version replaced it.[61] Later versions have implemented an option of streaming videos in high quality in H.264. A special version of BBC iPlayer was launched 19 December 2008.[62] It was designed for children aged 6 to 12, allowing them to choose from series such as Blue Peter, M.I. High, The Sarah Jane Adventures and more (non-children's programming is restricted).[62]
A At the end of 2008, a newer platform was launched which facilitated use of the new BBC iPlayer Desktop (replacement for Download Manager) and other "BBC iPlayer Labs" features such as adjustable video windows and user feedback options. In March 2009, the BBC launched a streaming version of the player which needs a 1500 kbit/s minimum connection.
On 1 April 2010, this Desktop Manager was updated to version 1.5.15695.18135.[63] The update claimed, amongst other things, optimisation of CPU usage in full screen: 20% to 40% improvement; videos that start to d On 1 April 2010, this Desktop Manager was updated to version 1.5.15695.18135.[63] The update claimed, amongst other things, optimisation of CPU usage in full screen: 20% to 40% improvement; videos that start to download in the UK should be able to complete downloading abroad; and update to use Adobe Integrated Runtime AIR 1.5.3 which has improved reliability, compatibility and security.[63]
The iPlayer team released the next-generation of the iPlayer, calling it the iPlayer 3.0 release, on 6 September 2010. It brought integration with various social networking sites to the TV on-demand service, through deals with Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Delicious, Digg and StumbleUpon.[64]
BBC ID was also added to allow users to access their iPlayer settings from a variety of devices and Favourite shows so the users get notified when new episodes of their favourited shows are available.
The only other feature of the new-look iPlayer discussed was a new embeddable video player, being rolled out across the whole of the BBC's online presenc BBC ID was also added to allow users to access their iPlayer settings from a variety of devices and Favourite shows so the users get notified when new episodes of their favourited shows are available.
The only other feature of the new-look iPlayer discussed was a new embeddable video player, being rolled out across the whole of the BBC's online presence. On 19 June 2012 on the live TV channels it added a rewind to start button.
The BBC reported iPlayer users had technical problems with the release of Adobe AIR 3.5,[65] and another with Google Chrome.[66]
The iPlayer Desktop application was replaced with the simpler iPlayer Downloads application, from which some features were dropped, for example live streaming.
On 23 July 2009 the first subscription-free d On 23 July 2009 the first subscription-free digital terrestrial device to include iPlayer went on sale in UK retailers. The FetchTV Smartbox connects to any broadband connection and gives access to the BBC iPlayer and is a Freeview+ PVR.
FetchTV created its own version of the iPlayer, believing it was adhering to BBC guidelines, but support was refused by BBC Future Media and Technology. IP Vision made a formal complaint to the BBC in March 2009: the matter then passed to the BBC Executive's Fair Trading Complaints Panel, which r FetchTV created its own version of the iPlayer, believing it was adhering to BBC guidelines, but support was refused by BBC Future Media and Technology. IP Vision made a formal complaint to the BBC in March 2009: the matter then passed to the BBC Executive's Fair Trading Complaints Panel, which rejected the complaint, and IP Vision then appealed to the BBC Trust. On 22 December 2009 the BBC Trust rejected FetchTV's request to release the product.[78] The Trust's Finance and Compliance Committee (FCC) found that the BBC had given reasonable arguments as to why IP Vision should not be allowed to go ahead with its self-build product.
The Trust FCC also rescinded new guidelines introduced by the BBC in October 2009 formalising a ban on third parties building their own commercial iPlayer products . The Trust concluded that the clarification amounted to a significant change to the syndication guidelines which should have been referred to the Trust for approval before publication.
On 2 November 2009, it was announced that a beta release of BBC iPlayer for Freesat would be released on 7 December 2009 to a limited number of Freesat viewers.[79][80][81] On 21 December 2009, iPlayer was made available on a soft launch to Freesat viewers with Humax Foxsat HD receivers only, with an official release on 11 January 2010.[82][83] It is the final beta version of iPlayer, available via the red button on interactive page 7001. On 20 January 2010, Sony released software update 1.630SA to enable BBC iPlayer on all of their Freesat integrated televisions.[84]
On 25 March 2010, iPlayer was added to TechniSat receivers, with an update for Harvard International receivers released on 31 March.[85] However, the Harvard upgrade will not be available on early model standard definition Freesat receivers sold under the Bush, Goodmans and Grundig brands. Harvard International is therefore offering a replacement high definition receiver to anyone affected.[86] Panasonic had aimed to add iPlayer to all of its devices by October 2010,[87] On 25 March 2010, iPlayer was added to TechniSat receivers, with an update for Harvard International receivers released on 31 March.[85] However, the Harvard upgrade will not be available on early model standard definition Freesat receivers sold under the Bush, Goodmans and Grundig brands. Harvard International is therefore offering a replacement high definition receiver to anyone affected.[86] Panasonic had aimed to add iPlayer to all of its devices by October 2010,[87] but support was only extended to the 2008 range in September 2011.[88] LG have been unable to update their Freesat integrated LF7700 television and were offering a free Freesat set-top box, however this promotional goodwill gesture ended after a 6-month period.[89] On 16 December 2010, BBC iPlayer was assigned to Freesat channel 901, in addition to access via the BBC Red Button.[90]
On 4 May 2009, the managing director of Freeview, Ilse Howling, announced expectations that iPlayer-enabled Freeview boxes would be available in 2009.[91] From 1 April 2011, all new Freeview HD receiver products must include MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) as part of D-Book 6.2.1.[citation needed] The move allowed the standard MHEG-5 reliant iPlayer application to be offered from 7 April via the red button on all BBC channels to Freeview HD certified devices.
On 10 Feb On 10 February 2012, Roku launched their streaming devices in the UK for the first time, with BBC iPlayer available from launch.[92] On 26 July 2013, Now TV released a Now TV-branded Roku streaming box, including the BBC iPlayer app.[93]
On 30 January 2012, it was announced that BBC iPlayer would be added to Sky's On Demand service,[94] arriving on 30 October 2012.[95] The launch reduced the amount paid by the BBC for its carriage on Sky by up to 30%, following the introduction of a clause in BSkyB's Published Price List which reduces the amount paid by a public service broadcaster when one of its channels offers on demand programming to Sky receivers.[96] BBC iPlayer via Sky requires a subscription to Sky TV channels or to Sky+ and a Sky+ HD box with an internet connection.[97]
BBC confirmed [123] that this application was set to be released on Nintendo's Wii U at launch, but due to some issue, it was delayed. In January 2014, BBC stated that this application is set to appear soon on Wii U.[citation needed] On 11 December 2014, Senior product manage BBC confirmed [123] that this application was set to be released on Nintendo's Wii U at launch, but due to some issue, it was delayed. In January 2014, BBC stated that this application is set to appear soon on Wii U.[citation needed] On 11 December 2014, Senior product manager Peter Lasko of BBC stated that they hope this application will come to Wii U in early 2015.[124] Without prior notice, however, the app was eventually released for the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U by 28 May 2015.[125]
On 31 August 2016, only about 15 months after launch, the BBC iPlayer was de-listed from the Nintendo eShop, and the BBC later confirmed terminating the service by 16 January 2017 for those who already downloaded the app on the Wii U. The BBC cited the end in the licence agreement between them and Nintendo UK as the reason.[126]
The BBC and Microsoft had been unable to reach a deal to add the iPlayer to the Xbox 360 for a number of years, because Microsoft's strategy of charging for all content on its Xbox Live platform is incompatible with the BBC's public service remit.[127] Microsoft wanted to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts could access its added content services. The BBC is not legally allowed to charge the UK public for access to the iPlayer, as the access charges for it are included in the BBC licence fee already.
In October 2011, it was announced that the BBC content would be made available to all Xbox Live members in the UK, including Xbox Live Free members.[128] On 20 March 2012, BBC iPlayer became available on Xbox Live; t In October 2011, it was announced that the BBC content would be made available to all Xbox Live members in the UK, including Xbox Live Free members.[128] On 20 March 2012, BBC iPlayer became available on Xbox Live; the service includes Kinect functionality.[129]
The BBC announced that support for iPlayer on Xbox 360 is to be terminated on 27 March 2019.
In October 2013, Microsoft confirmed that the Xbox One would have the BBC iPlayer app.[130] However, despite Microsoft's claim that the BBC iPlayer app would be available for Xbox One from launch day in the UK, it was not. The BBC commented in December 2013, saying: "BBC iPlayer is already available to audiences on over 1,000 devices and platforms in the UK. Whilst we are working to bring BBC iPlayer to Xbox One in the future, we have no further details to share at this time."[131]
In January 2014, a report by a BBC programmer announced that an issue with the Kinect sensor had caused the app's delay. He added that all Xbox One apps have to offer gesture and voice controls, as well as Snap features and media achievements.Kinect sensor had caused the app's delay. He added that all Xbox One apps have to offer gesture and voice controls, as well as Snap features and media achievements.[132] In August 2014, the BBC reported on its blog that they were aiming to release BBC iPlayer on Xbox One by the end of 2014.[133]
On 4 December 2014 BBC iPlayer was released.[134]
On 23 June 2010, after many months of complaints from Android users, BBC iPlayer officially announced support for the Android platform. Users can navigate to the usual BBC iPlayer website, and a mobile website is displayed. As a result of the BBC's decision to use Adobe Flash Player to handle video playback for Android devices on this website, users must be using Android 2.2 or later[135] (the earliest Android version supported by Flash Player).
There was also an unofficial but functional application for the Google Android platform called myPlayer but all BBC content was removed in November 2010 as the service was alleged to be in breach of the BBC terms of use.[136] Another such application – beebPlayer – was removed from the market in May 2010 at the BBC's request.There was also an unofficial but functional application for the Google Android platform called myPlayer but all BBC content was removed in November 2010 as the service was alleged to be in breach of the BBC terms of use.[136] Another such application – beebPlayer – was removed from the market in May 2010 at the BBC's request.[137]
On 8 February 2011 the BBC announced that Android, alongside the iPad, would be amongst the first two platforms to receive a native iPlayer application.[138] The application was made available via the Android Market to UK users, but as with the earlier mobile website, the application uses Adobe's Flash Player for video playback and as a result is only available for devices running Android 2.2 to 4.0 since Android 4.1 does not support Flash Player.
On 4 September 2012 the BBC posted on their internet blog that Android users would soon be able to download programs using the BBC iPlayer app.[139]
On 19 September 2012 the BBC reported that an Adobe AIR-based iPlayer application had been developed for Android 4.1, as well as earlier versions. The application, named BBC Media Player, is intended to permit continued iPlayer support for the Android platform.[140]
On 5 November 2010, an official BBC iPlayer app that allows users to stream live television and radio, and catch-up on previously aired content became available for download on BlackBerry OS 5.0 (and higher) devices.[141] A Wi-Fi connection is needed for an "optimal viewing experience" but 3 and Vodafone are allowing it run on their 3G networks.
On 7 March 2008, a On 7 March 2008, a beta version for Apple's iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, and later iPad) was released, allowing streaming over a Wi-Fi connection. An update released on 12 December 2011 allowed streaming over 3G.[142] On 4 September 2012, an update provided the ability to download programmes for up to 30 days, with a seven-day viewing window.[143] The EDGE connectivity on the iPhone, however, is not supported, as it is too slow for streaming video.[144][145]
Non-iPhone users were found to be watching and downloading streams intended for iPhone users allowing them to play them on alternative devices. The BBC modified the iPlayer service on 13 March 2008 to prevent this.
[146]
Thro Non-iPhone users were found to be watching and downloading streams intended for iPhone users allowing them to play them on alternative devices. The BBC modified the iPlayer service on 13 March 2008 to prevent this.
[146]
Through the month of June 2008 further methods were discovered by iPlayer users to watch and download streams intended for iPhones. A Ruby[147]
hole was followed by the BBC introducing XOR encryption on parts of the downloaded files if a genuine iPhone was not detected.
The BBC introduced specially crafted web bugs, referrer checks and download chunk limits, such that only devices exhibiting this behaviour, i.e. a genuine iPhone handset, would be able to stream the video content. A cycle of updates and reverse engineering has followed such that all the various streams, both for the iPhone and Flash streaming service, are now able to be downloaded without the need for decryption or DRM circumvention. This has been made possible by various software which can effectively simulate a RTMP Flash client or an iPhone. In early December 2010, the iPhone MP3 access was being changed to use HTTPS. The server checks the client's certificate and only accepts connections for those issued to Apple. This change to the protocol not only prevents access to non-Apple devices but also disables use by a number of early generation iPod Touch devices.
On 28 July 2011, BBC Worldwide released an international version of the iPlayer for the iPad.[36] A UK version of the iPlayer for iPad app was also launched, however, this version only allowed streaming video and did not allow any offline viewing. In December 2011 the iPlayer app was extended to work with the iPhone and iPod Touch.
On 18 September 2008, the BBC announced that a version will become available to the Nokia N96 mobile phone as a download service to allow viewers to watch programmes even when they are out of reach of Wi-Fi or 3G networks.[148][149] The launch date was set of 1 October 2008.
Shortly after on 9 September 2008, even before the BBC Nokia N96 download service had gone live, a method was published to independently download and play the iPlayer N96 3GP stream on other mobiles, Linux and macOS.Shortly after on 9 September 2008, even before the BBC Nokia N96 download service had gone live, a method was published to independently download and play the iPlayer N96 3GP stream on other mobiles, Linux and macOS.[150]
BBC Released BBC iPlayer app on Windows Phone 8 devices on 15 May 2013 as a mobile wrapper UI. Available on the Windows Phone Store.[151]
B BBC Store codenamed Project Barcelona launched in the UK and opened the archive to consumers and allowed users to buy a show and download it. BBC Store was approved by the BBC Trust in 2014 and the store launched in 2015.[153] It was initially hosted on a dedicated website but later integrated with BBC iPlayer. [154] BBC Store closed in 2017.
'iPlayer 2.0'
BBC iPlayer Desktop Manager
'The New BBC iPlayer'
Roku
Sky
Televisions and Blu-ray players
Wii U
iOS devices
Additional mobile devices
Reception and adoption