Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: BBC iPlayer now available on 360 in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/#comments
BBC's iPlayer may already live on your PlayStation 3, Wii, tablet, television cable box, and ... uh ... probably a few other devices you own, but now it's also on the Xbox 360. Moreover, the application is free for all Xbox 360 owners, whether you're a Silver or Gold Xbox Live user, giving access to a variety of BBC's content - well, if you live in the UK, that is.

Not content with merely knowing it exists? We've got this thrillingly British video above detailing the service and showing it in action. Or, you know, you could just go download the iPlayer and see for yourself. Or whatever.

JoystiqPSA: BBC iPlayer now available on 360 in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayermicrosoftpsaukxboxxbox-liveTue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer for 360 indefinitely postponed due to disagreement with Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/#comments Though the BBC iPlayer is already available on the Wii and PS3 overseas, it seems a disagreement between the television corporation and Microsoft will keep the platform off of the Xbox 360 for the time being. According to a recent Telegraph article, sources close to the BBC's Future Media and Technology department claim that Microsoft's desire to make the iPlayer a Gold Subscriber-exclusive feature is "incompatible with the BBC's public service remit."

An unnamed BBC representative reportedly explained, "this does not fit with the BBC's model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible." We've contacted Microsoft to hear the other half of the story.

JoystiqBBC iPlayer for 360 indefinitely postponed due to disagreement with Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayergold-subscriptioniplayermicrosoftxbox-360xbox-liveSun, 29 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 overtakes Mac, becomes second biggest iPlayer platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/#comments
UK residents are lucky enough to have access to iPlayer, a web-based service that streams BBC programming for free. Firmware 3.00 adds iPlayer to the Video section of the XMB (provided you live in the UK, and have a UK-purchased system). It seems the added spotlight of iPlayer has increased viewership significantly, as PS3 now accounts for 10% of all iPlayer viewing. In comparison, Mac accounts for only 8.5% of viewership.

The success of services like BBC iPlayer and Vidzone show how important non-gaming applications are to PS3 owners. Hopefully, figures like these will convince other players -- like Hulu -- to join in on the PlayStation party.

JoystiqPS3 overtakes Mac, becomes second biggest iPlayer platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayerxmbWed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: BBC iPlayer getting dedicated Wii channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/#comments
According to Cubed3, Nintendo has approved plans for the BBC to release a dedicated iPlayer Channel for the UK market. Sources tell the British tech site that the BBC plans to launch the Wii Channel in Q2 2009, and that the service will be comparable in quality to the current mobile iPlayer services. Improvements are allegedly planned for a future version.

In October, the official BBC blog revealed it had optimized the iPlayer for the Nintendo Wii after previously mentioning the possibility of a dedicated channel for the service.

Cubed3 also reports that the broadcasting channel is looking to expand into video game development, but no franchises were mentioned. Can anyone say Bargain Hunt: The Game?

JoystiqRumor: BBC iPlayer getting dedicated Wii channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayerrumorwii-channelwii-channelsMon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 now fully supported by BBC iPlayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/#commentsFiled under:

We've been waiting for native iPlayer support on our PS3 since a cunning coder created their own workaround site back in April. Finally our wait is over and PS3 everywhere (well, in the UK at least) can enjoy the BBC's latest offerings through their PS3s. Simply head on over to the official website and you will be shown the new, specially made PS3 version (also accessible from your PC, if you so wish). Now catching up with Merlin, Nevermind the Buzzcocks and Heroes has never been easier.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqPS3 now fully supported by BBC iPlayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbciplayerTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC optimizes iPlayer for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/bbc-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/bbc-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/bbc-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Over at the BBC blog, they've let loose images and info on their new version of the iPlayer for Wii. Further optimized to take advantage of the large Wii audience, they've added some polish to what used to be a barebones interface, increasing the resolution and taking down the clutter with big, friendly buttons. Basically, it's what you see above.

While we'd like to check out the new and improved iPlayer (and maybe watch an episode of Dr. Who or something), it's for UK residents only. Supposedly, they're working on worldwide acccess, but we've no idea when that will happen.

[Via Digital Spy]

JoystiqBBC optimizes iPlayer for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdr-whoiplayerrobin-hoodukFri, 24 Oct 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[WiiPlayer optimizes iPlayer for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/wiiplayer-optimizes-iplayer-for-wii/#commentsFiled under:

It still puzzles us that the BBC was so keen to make its (admittedly excellent and very popular) iPlayer catch-up service compatible with the Wii. Are there really that many Wii owners out there with internet-ready PCs who would opt to use the service on the Wii's slightly clunky Opera browser? Why not just use your PC to watch the latest editions of Gavin & Stacey and The Apprentice? You know: the one you're using to read these words, right at this very second?

Not only that, but the iPlayer on the Wii is hardly user-friendly. Text is so small that it's almost unreadable, loading times are hardly ideal, and the low resolution of the Wii's browser makes navigation awkward. Cue the intervention of WiiPlayer, a hacked version of the iPlayer that has been optimized for Nintendo's console, and is now available for use at http://defaced.co.uk/wiiplayer.

It won't work on your PC, and it goes without saying you'll still have to reside in the UK to use this, but WiiPlayer does do a sterling job, replacing the iPlayer's teensy text and browser-taxing layout with pleasingly chunky, Wiimote-friendly icons and a cleaner, less cluttered appearance.

Gallery: WiiPlayer


[Via Tech Digest]

JoystiqWiiPlayer optimizes iPlayer for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritainbritish-broadcasting-corporationbrowserentertainmentgreat-britainhackinternet-channeliplayermediaoperatelevisiontellytvukFri, 06 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker puts BBC's iPlayer on PS3; official version coming "in due course"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/hacker-puts-bbcs-iplayer-on-ps3-official-version-coming-in-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/hacker-puts-bbcs-iplayer-on-ps3-official-version-coming-in-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/hacker-puts-bbcs-iplayer-on-ps3-official-version-coming-in-du/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not willing to wait for the BBC to get its act together and release a PS3-compatible version of it's iPlayer streaming video web site, an enterprising hacker has pieced together his own version and put it out for the world to share. PS3iplayer.com works by making the PS3's web browser pretend it's the Wii's Opera browser, tricking the BBC web-site to serve up the official version designed for Nintendo's system. Compatibility is reportedly a little spotty, but the site does seem to show how easy it would be to port the web site over to the PS3's built-in web browser, despite vague complaints of Sony's controlling imposition.

For his part, the BBC's head of digital media technology, Anthony Rose, writes in a blog post that the hack is impressive but not necessarily "the best possible iPlayer proposition for that console." Rose assured readers that his team is looking into creating an official version of the player for the PS3 "in due course." Like when someone on the digital media team gets a free lunch hour, perhaps?

JoystiqHacker puts BBC's iPlayer on PS3; official version coming "in due course" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCBritainEnglandiPlayerPS3streamingUKvideoweb browserWebBrowserWiiWed, 16 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer comes to the PS3 with PS3iPlayer.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-iplayer-comes-to-the-ps3-with-ps3iplayer-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-iplayer-comes-to-the-ps3-with-ps3iplayer-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-iplayer-comes-to-the-ps3-with-ps3iplayer-com/#commentsFiled under:

How ironic that while the PS3 is easily the best console for multimedia content it gets beaten to the iPlayer punch by the Wii. Not for long though. An unofficial website, PS3iPlayer.com, has been set up by a very clever coder known as Ixalon. This allows PS3s to access iPlayer content directly on their TV. Unfortunately the PS3's browser does not allow the videos to be shown at full screen, but after a bit of zooming the same effect can be achieved.

For those of you who don't know, the BBC iPlayer is an online video player which allows you to see a large variety of BBC content that has been shown on TV in the past week. Unfortunately it's only available for UK residents at the moment. The fact that PS3iPlayer.com was set up in only a day demonstrates how simple it would be for the BBC to create an official player for the PS3, as they have done with the Wii. Get on it, BBC. We want to watch Doctor Who on our PS3s!

[Thanks Marc]

JoystiqBBC iPlayer comes to the PS3 with PS3iPlayer.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCiPlayerIxalonPS3Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC: Sony, MS wanted to "control" streaming video on their consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-sony-ms-wanted-to-control-streaming-video-on-their-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-sony-ms-wanted-to-control-streaming-video-on-their-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/bbc-sony-ms-wanted-to-control-streaming-video-on-their-conso/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A day after the BBC announced a version of its iPlayer streaming video service for the Wii, an obvious follow-up question arises: "Why isn't a similar service available for the PS3 and Xbox 360 as well?" A partial answer from BBC Future and Technology Group Coordinator Erik Huggers, who said in a BBC's dot.life blog that Sony and Microsoft weren't willing to open up their infrastructures to the iPlayer. "If you want to get on the PlayStation or Xbox, they want control of the look, the feel and the experience; they want it done within their shop, and their shop only," Huggers said.

The BBC blogger uses this as a leaping-off point to declare that the Wii's deal with the BBC "makes something of a mockery" of the multimedia capabilities of the Xbox 360 and PS3. Never mind that the Wii can't even play DVDs (much less Blu-ray discs) or that the system offers no way to download video for permanent, offline viewing. According to the BBC's blogger, Nintendo is "bridging the gap between the web and the TV" in a way that its competitors aren't.

Regardless, the implication that Sony and Microsoft are unwilling to accommodate online video outside the walled garden of their narrow, profit-generating shop services is a little upsetting. The beauty of having a machine connected to the internet should be the ability to access the wide array of free content on that internet, not just the opportunity to buy things from the console maker and its partners.

JoystiqBBC: Sony, MS wanted to "control" streaming video on their consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCiPlayermultimediaonlinePS3streamingvideoWiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer takes the Wii by storm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bbc-iplayer-takes-the-wii-by-storm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bbc-iplayer-takes-the-wii-by-storm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/bbc-iplayer-takes-the-wii-by-storm/#commentsFiled under:

Now we know what makes you people tick: the BBC. Our inboxes (and comments) have been flooded with news about the BBC iPlayer in one of our most-tipped stories ever.

If you're one of the five people who didn't send us this tip and don't know what's up, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) announced today that their iPlayer, which allows viewers to catch up with BBC shows online, is now compatible with the Wii. And yes, that means you'll be able to watch Dr. Who, EastEnders, and other such programmes on your TV to your tea-drinking heart's content.

Should this venture by the BBC become successful (which we think it will -- after the news was announced, the number of people using the iPlayer rose significantly), we wouldn't be surprised to see other major networks adopt their services to Nintendo's console.

That's not to say that the BBC isn't running into some problems with the idea, though. Right now, the network is quarreling with ISPs over who should pay the extra service costs. Even so, the player can be used as soon as today, with more polished video quality promised in the future. You'll probably also be relieved to know that the service is free, although it will cost you money to download Nintendo's internet channel if you haven't done so already.

The other catch? The BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, for the time being, but BBC Worldwide is apparently working on getting an international player up and running.

[Via TVSquad; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqBBC iPlayer takes the Wii by storm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbritainbritish-broadcasting-corporationbrowserentertainmentGreat-britaininternet-channeliplayeroperatelevisiontvUKWed, 09 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST