BBC launches iPlayer Radio to revamp online audio content

PanARMENIAN.Net - The BBC has launched iPlayer Radio as it attempts to revamp its online audio content, according to BBC News.

The new service will see audio content taken out of the existing BBC iPlayer and instead offered as part of a separate service on desktop and mobile. The service seeks to highlight select snippets from BBC output, including associated video content.

An iPhone app is to be launched soon - however apps for other devices, such as Google's Android, are not yet ready. The iPhone app, expected to become available later on Monday, Oct 8, also features a built-in alarm clock.

From 13:00 BST on Monday, visitors to the BBC's radio section will be directed to the new service.

"BBC iPlayer Radio is the platform on which we will develop radio stations as fully multimedia brands so that as well as listen, audiences will be able to watch, share and engage with BBC radio," said Mark Friend, controller of multiplatform and interactive for the BBC's Audio & Music division.

"Our next steps will be to make live radio more interactive, make it easier for people to enjoy the BBC's vast audio archive and strengthen radio's position as the number one place for discovering music in the UK."

The service will incorporate video material as well as social media content from DJs and program teams.

However, neither the desktop nor mobile service offer the ability to watch content without an internet connection.