BBC unveils next-gen iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer now integrates radio with on-demand TV

The BBC has taken the wraps off the second version of its hugely popular iPlayer, integrating radio with on-demand TV.

The new version is still in beta and will run alongside the original while the finishing touches are added over the next few weeks.

"The next-generation BBC iPlayer allows UK licence fee payers to catch up on their favourite BBC TV and radio programmes in one place, a completely unique on-demand service," said Erik Huggers, group controller for future media and technology at the BBC.

"Audiences are now able to experience the full range of BBC content - some 250 TV programmes available each week as well as all the BBC radio networks - in a new and more accessible way, and all for free."

The iPlayer has been a huge success, garnering a reported 100 million downloads in the six months since its launch.

"On-demand radio from the BBC has been a phenomenal success since it was first launched in 2002, with around 600 million hours listened to via streaming or the 'listen again' function," said Huggers.

"The full integration with iPlayer is a natural evolution for the audio service and an exciting step for audiences."

The addition of radio will offer the choice of listening to live radio or selecting anything on BBC Radio from the past seven days.

The new version also boasts a 'last played' resume feature, larger playback window, a TV schedule and new categorisation features.

The BBC iPlayer is now available on PC, Mac, Linux, Virgin Media, Apple iPhone and iPod Touch and Nintendo Wii.

The unbridled popularity of the iPlayer has caused consternation among internet service providers which have said that the BBC should pay for the increased load on their networks.

However, the demands have been rebuffed by telecoms watchdog Ofcom.