New iPlayer app launches on PS3

iPlayer app launches on PS3

BBC launches redesigned version of its iPlayer catchup service for TV viewers, debuting on Sony's PlayStation 3 console.

Diehard Doctor Who fans have grown used to catching up on the latest episode of their favourite programme on their smartphone or iPad. But most viewers are set to swap their smartphone for the living room as the BBC predicts TV will dominate iPlayer catch-up within three years.

The BBC on Monday launched a new version of iPlayer for the TV, in a fresh attempt to woo an older generation of viewers.

The app – launching initially on the Sony PlayStation 3 games console, which has run the browser-based version of iPlayer since 2008 – has been built from scratch and includes new features such as viewer recommendations.

Daniel Danker, the BBC's general manager of programmes and on demand, said that iPlayer viewing on internet-connected TVs increased five fold in the six months to July, reaching 3.1m programme requests a month.

"We're going beyond the tech-savvy. We're making iPlayer easier to use for the mainstream audience," Danker said. "With today's announcement, we're transforming iPlayer in its most natural home."

He said the BBC aims to boost iPlayer viewing among the over 35s, to bring its catch-up audience broadly in line with traditional BBC demographics.

BBC fans made 157m programme requests on the iPlayer in June – a 34% rise on the same month last year – according to figures released last week.

The catch-up service's iPad app, which launched in February, is set to reach 1m downloads in coming days. About a third of iPad owners in the UK stream live TV on their device, which Danker attributes wholly to the iPlayer.

The BBC is also set to unveil a series of design changes to the online iPlayer, including a potential move away from its distinctive black and pink look.

Asked about the colour change, Danker said: "I'm not religious about colours … There will be an evolution in the look and feel – but it's evolutionary not revolutionary."

Most of the corporation's TV and radio content online – like channels, programmes, TV guide and archives – will be brought under the iPlayer umbrella over the coming year.

Ofcom last week said that one in 10 new TVs (about 1m) bought last year were internet connected – with average viewing time rising to four hours a day.

According to forecasts, almost 36m new-generation TVs will be installed in British homes by 2016.