The BBC has launched a redesigned version of its hugely popular iPlayer TV on demand software for the Playstation 3 games console and various internet connected TVs.
iPlayer has been redesigned specifically with large screen TVs in mind, with the user interface being simplified and in some areas enlarged for ease of use.
Design and looks seem to have taken a heavy influence from smartphone operating systems and apps, with a categories bar containing Featured, Most Popular, Search, Last Played and Favourites scrolling along the bottom of the screen – similar to the app categories you’ll see on Blackberry OS 6 and 7.
Once you’ve scrolled through and chosen a category – let’s say Featured, for example – you’ll be presented with large tiles for each program, a look very similar to Windows Phone 7. When you scroll onto a tile to highlight it, it will be enlarged and take the centre of the page.
The search function has been vastly improved, says the beeb, as has the favourites option. You’ll now be able to set shows and radio broadcasts as favourites and access them easily through the dedicated favourites tab at the bottom of the screen.
The all new iPlayer app will be rolling out initially to Playstation 3 consoles very soon, with internet connected TV sets receiving the update over the next couple of months.
– BBC to reboot the iPlayer look with “TV-friendly” User Interface
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest news, videos and tips on the latest and greatest gadgets around!