BBC iPlayer is about to see some MAJOR changes

BBC iPlayer is adding a number of new features, including a mode designed for children

THE BBC is planning to introduced some MAJOR changes to its online catch-up services, including third-party content and a variation on the service specifically designed for children.

BBC iPlayer will see some major changes in the near future, Director-General Tony Hall has hinted.

The hugely popular online catch-up service allows UK residents to watch television and radio programs from the BBC on a range of mobile and desktops devices, as well as Smart TVs.

But the BBC could soon allow third-parties to add content to the hugely popular service, ArsTechnica has been reported.

By allowing BBC iPlayer to become an open platform with contributions from non-BBC content providers, the online streaming service could be used to experiment and showcase

"We are going to take risks, push boundaries, try new things," Director-General Tony Hall said in a speech at the Science Museum in London this week.

We are going to take risks, push boundaries, try new things. Not be afraid of controversy. Innovate

BBC Director-General Tony Hall

"Not be afraid of controversy. Investigate. Experiment. Innovate."
As part of this plan, the BBC will launch the Ideas Service, which Tony Hall described as an "open online platform" dedicated to the arts and sciences.
The Ideas Service is expected to host BBC content as well as video content from a range of other cultural institutions, including the Science Museum, British Museum and Edinburgh festivals.



BBC Director-General Tony Hall, pictured outside of the BBC on his first day

Speaking about the impact the BBC has had in the past with its science-based content, Director-General Tony Hall said: "We know that the BBC’s year of science in 2010 led directly to an increase in applications to study science at university.
"Now we want to go further.
"We want to help raise the number of people who experience arts events each year – like Stargazing Live.
"It will only be possible if millions of people watch, tens of thousands contribute and a huge range of UK institutions have the chance to be part of it."

Peter Kay-led comedy Car Share was the first show to be available to binge watch on iPlayer

The BBC also plans to introduce two services, which will live alongside its iPlayer lineup.
These will include a video-focused mobile news channel, dubbed BBC Newstream, and a variation on iPlayer designed specifically designed for children, iPlay.
iPlay – a service in its own right – could have child-friendly games as well as catchup content from CBeebies.
However the Director-General did not offer any concrete dates on the launch of the new services.
Tony Hall also hinted that BBC iPlayer could begin releasing entire seasons at the same time, to allow customers to binge-watch, a la Netflix.
Peter Kay-led comedy Car Share was released in its entirety over a weekend earlier this year as a trial for the service.
The show was later removed and released incrementally as it aired on BBC One.