Forum for former BBC staff

Forum for former BBC staff
http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> iPlayer Radio app going.... http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1530003477 Message started by Administrator on Jun 26^th, 2018, 8:58am

Title: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by Administrator on Jun 26^th, 2018, 8:58am

A new "BBC Sounds" app will replace the BBC iPlayer Radio app soon.

In order to integrate the plethora of Podcasts within a single 'app' a new one has been created.

In his BBC Blog, Dan Taylor-Watt explains what's happening and why.

The 'old' iPlayer app will run in parallel with the 'new' BBC Sounds' app for a short period.

Dan holds the job-title "Head iPlayer and BBC Sounds".

His blog is here.

"Tech Radar" describe the app, and give their opinion here.
"5 ways the BBC Sounds app will change how you listen to BBC podcasts and radio"

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by WG on Jun 28^th, 2018, 7:29am

Whats going on here?
This app is not ready for proper comparison to the excellent IplayerRadio.It has promise but it lacks schedule listings and quite a few functions which are paramount for radio catch up listening. Quite a lot of effort has gone into a W1A style design and as with all BBC apps far too much emphasis on algorithm recommendations and listening genres. Surely people who listen to the BBC know that R4 is "speech" R1 is "pop" etc? That's all folk want isn't it?

The IplayerRadio app is not broken so it doesn't need fixing.

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by Administrator on Jun 28^th, 2018, 2:28pm

It is said that Radio 4's "Feedback" programme- to be transmitted on Friday 29th June at 1630 BST...- will feature the new 'app'....

"we'll hear what listeners think about the BBC's new app - BBC Sounds".

In his blog, Dan did write that this is the "first version" of the app, adding..

"This is very much a first release - we wanted to get it out as early as possible to start getting feedback to help develop the app. There’s a bunch of additional features we’re already busy working on (including downloads, to enable offline listening), and we’ll have lots more to add later in the year, but we’d love to hear how you’d like to see the app develop."

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by Amigo on Jun 28^th, 2018, 2:35pm

I have added my comments to the blog, and many others feel the same way...

"What was wrong with the original iPlayer Radio App?.

By all means 'tweak' it a bit, so we can remove the material in which we have no interest and will never use- it gets in the way, and improve the podcast facility.. otherwise...

why repair something that wasn't broken?

So, add your comments to the blog!!

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by WG on Jun 28^th, 2018, 5:42pm

" We wanted to get it out as soon as possible so as to get feedback".....whoops....Thameslink Rail did that with their new timetables and imploded !

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by Delboy on Jun 29^th, 2018, 12:19am

The BBC no longer have any regard for their licence players.
People who paid good money for their tech are regularly being cut-off as the BBC strives to be ultra-tech suppliers.
You now have to have the very latest TVs, radio, set-top boxes & tablets to get their services.
I can stream 4K onto my 2017 Sony TV from several sources, but can't stream the BBC world cup coverage in 4k because my TV is too old!
The latest people to have their apps withdrawn are Kindle readers. Usual excuse, the app is too new to work on old devices, I call it shoddy software design.

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by WG on Jun 29^th, 2018, 8:22am

One final observation. The Iplayer Radio app is far too good to be put out to grass.
Inventing a new style grossly inferior application is a serious waste of Licence Payer's money .

Title: Re: iPlayer Radio app going....
Post by Administrator on Jun 30^th, 2018, 8:46am

The "Feedback" interview may be heard here.

Start 0850 end 1450.