One of the biggest ideas from a technology perspective to hit the UK recently has been the BBC iPlayer. After a slow start this technology has really begun to take off, especially since the ability to stream programmes rather than just download them was added. In fact the popularity of the service has grown so much that the UK Internet service providers (ISP) are now complaining about the strain that it is putting on their networks. Being based in Dubai where the available TV is generally very poor, I am extremely envious of the UK residents ability to access the technology. Especially since I am still actually a holder of a UK TV licence!

Future plans

However having now got the technology now more or less sorted out the BBC are looking to add incremental new features to the service over the coming months, which should increase the usability and appeal of the service still further. So the UK ISP’s had better get their networks sorted out!

Wii to become iPlayer access device

One example of this incremental approach is the fact that the iPlayer will soon be available on the Nintendo Wii, which has become the fastest selling games console ever launched in the UK. The iPlayer will be soon be a channel on the Wii with an early test version available from this month, followed by updated versions later in the year. If you do plan to use this service, you may find that a USB Datel Direct LAN Adapter makes good sense rather than relying on the WiFi, especially if streaming.

Do you use the iPlayer?