BBC iplayer, which picks up five million weekly users is set to get a makeover. The popular catch-up TV service is getting a redesign and few new features including personalisation options and social networking capabilities.
Speaking on the 'social movement' through its blog the BBC said: "Until now, the focus has been on getting programmes to users packaged in a coherent experience – this next step is about allowing users to interact with the service and each other around our programmes."
The BBC seems to have their finger on the pulse. There's a big shift towards 'social television' at the moment and adding social elements to their service should prove a popular move. Plus it gives the Beeb a way to keep an eye on what programmes are popular and what are getting negative feedback from licence payers. It looks good so far with18,000 people signed up to the beta version as well as 700,000 'likes' or 'favourites' having been wracked up during the trial period.
The changes allow users to share content via Facebook and Twitter including episodes, messages and 'favourite moments.'
Speaking on the update, the BBC said, "simply put, we want a way to get the programmes you love with less clicking (and thinking!). Secondly, we wanted to connect BBC iPlayer up with the users’ online interactions with friends – to bring a social dimension to watching and listening."
Great, but just one thing: if we discuss Eastenders online what are we going to talk about in the pub?
Source: T3