The feature update aims to build on BBC’s strategy to make the catch-up service more personal.
Among the changes is the expansion of the My Programmes feature. It already works via the iPlayer website, but will now expand to mobile devices. The feature, which requires registration, allows users to store their favourite programmes while BBC iPlayer can use the data to recommend similar content.
Live Restart – also already on the web app – will also be rolled out to smart TVs and lets TV viewers jump back to the beginning of a show at any time during the live broadcast.
Finally, cross-device pause and resume has also been introduced. Also requiring sign-in, it allows users to watch a programme on one device, pause, and continue watching from the same point on another.
Dan Taylor-Watt, head of BBC iPlayer, said: “This raft of new features promises to give users even greater control over their iPlayer experience, ensuring they’re never late for a BBC TV broadcast again and providing easy access to the programmes they’re enjoying on BBC iPlayer whether at home or on the move”.
BBC iPlayer which saw 2.6 billion TV requests across 1,700 devices and platforms in 2014. According to a recent Ofcom study, it is the largest video on demand service in the UK with 31 per cent of adults having used the service over the past 12 months.
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