The BBC has taken the wraps off the second version of its hugely popular iPlayer, integrating radio with on-demand TV. The new version is still in beta and will run alongside the original while the finishing touches are added over the next few weeks. "The next-generation BBC iPlayer allows UK licence fee payers to catch up on their favourite BBC TV and radio programmes in one place, a completely unique on-demand service," said Erik Huggers, group controller for future media and technology at the BBC.
"Audiences are now able to experience the full range of BBC content - some 250 TV programmes available each week as well as all the BBC radio networks - in a new and more accessible way, and all for free." The iPlayer has been a huge success, garnering a reported 100 million downloads in the six months since its launch.