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iPlayer
The BBC iPlayer catch-up TV app is now available to download for the Microsoft Xbox One console, more than a year after the next-gen gaming system first went on sale.
The key entertainment app can be downloaded freely from the Xbox Store from today, giving console owners the change to tune into the likes of Doctor Who and Eastenders on-demand.
The app brings the new unified iPlayer design launched earlier this year, will display 1080p content and will also integrate the Kinect voice commands like “Xbox play” and “Xbox pause”
Now that Microsoft has dropped the Xbox Live paywall to watch entertainment apps, console owners will be able to access all content regardless of whether they’re paid-up Gold members.
The launch comes at an ideal time for both parties with Christmas on the horizon. The Beeb will hope its ever-growing numbers will be further boosted around the festive season.
Microsoft will hope the launch inspires more console sales, while it also brings parity with the Sony PS4 which got the iPlayer app upon launch last November. Ironically the PS4 got the still-missing-from-Xbox-One Sky Go app today, which dampens the party somewhat.
As part of today’s announcement, the BBC also revealed it is increasing the download availability window from 7 days to 30 days making an even wider array of content available. Right now the change applies to smartphones, tablets and computers.
Dan Taylor-Watt, Head of BBC iPlayer said: “TV is undoubtedly king at Christmas – and the arrival of BBC iPlayer on Xbox One gives viewers even more choice on how they watch. 30 day downloads arrives just in time for those unwrapping new devices, perfect for catching up on the bumper Christmas schedule.”
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