Microsoft has launched a new free online video player that will rival BBC’s iPlayer and Channel 4’s OnDemand
Launched on 11th March, the new video player which is available solely in the UK, will feature thousands of hours of television programmes, including cult comedy Peep Show, reality show Wife Swap, as well as popular dramas Hustle and Cutting It.
In contrast to other online players which only allow you to watch shows that have been aired a week before, the Bing Video Player gives viewers to opportunity to watch entire series’ making it superior to those already available.
Ashley Highfield, Microsoft’s UK consumer and online managing director, who was behind the launch of the product, was also key in the development of the BBC’s iPlayer. He said “Not all video players are equal. Our average viewer watches for 25 minutes, significantly higher than other online services. It shows we’re doing more than slapping on any programme for people to watch.” He continued “This is not a catch-up service. We see this service as a complement to the web TV services the broadcasters already offer. Bing Video Player is about a creating a compelling schedule of content that our audience want.”
This player is completely free, the only ‘catch’ is that viewers have to watch individual 30 second adverts before, during and after the programme.
Microsoft has signed up a number of television studios including Big Brother maker Endemol and are also in discussions with large film studios with the plan to include a suite of films on the player in the future.
