The BBC has announced a new Mobile iPlayer beta programme, which will allow consumers to test new features before they’re shipped to the masses.
The new scheme (via Engadget) is currently available for Android users running v4.1 and above, while the Beeb says it’ll be rolled out to iOS and Kindle Fire users in future.
Those currently-eligible users can sign up for the test via the Google Play store link.
The firm is only offering 1,000 spots to testers, but those successful applicants will be able to share their feedback with ‘Auntie’ from the main menu.
“In order to be an effective beta tester, all you need to do is use the app as you would the regular version and let us know what you think,” the broadcaster said.
“We want to hear about your experiences using the app like you would normally, and at the moment we are particularly interested in any problems or issues that arise from playing ‘on demand’ (catch up) content, rather than Live content.”
The Beeb’s plans to road-test new features on the public comes as it battles shrinking viewing figures for the first time as consumers increasingly turn to services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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Earlier this year, the Corporation’s Worldwide arm shut down the Global iPlayer, but is prepping to launch a new streaming service in the United States in 2016.
The BBC is also said to be considering iPlayer reforms, which would adopt a more Netflix-like approach, where entire seasons are available to view instantly.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
