BBC iPlayer launches on Xbox 360

 

The highly-anticipated launch, which was first announced last October, has taken three years to happen, after initial discussions in 2009 between the BBC and Microsoft, hit a stumbling block, because the technology giant wanted to charge for all content on its Xbox Live platform.

However, since then Microsoft has done an about-turn and all Xbox 360 users, with an Xbox Live account (which is available free of charge), from today onwards will be able to access the BBC iPlayer for free.

The Corporation’s popular web player is now on all major gaming platforms in the UK.

Additionally Xbox 360 users, which have the Kinect motion-controller, will be able to control the iPlayer using hand gestures and voice commands for the first time.

According to sources close to the BBC’s Future Media and Technology department, a deal between the two parties couldn’t be reached until October 2011 because Microsoft’s strategy of charging for all content on its Xbox Live platform being incompatible with the BBC’s public service remit.