ABC TV has extended its free iView streaming platform to iPhones, iPod Touches and iPads on 3G networks.
ABC TV told Computerworld Australia it is also developing iView for Android. However, the operating system has proven challenging for the broadcaster with iView, but it is working towards a redevelopment of iView in HTML5.
"The fragmentation of the Android platform and the number of devices makes it challenging for us to develop, test and support these devices at present. Our next step is to redevelop iView in HTML5 so that we can more easily target a greater number of Android devices and screen sizes and other mobile platforms," said Sally O’Donoghue, manager, iView and internet broadcasting, ABC TV.
"An HTML5 version of iView will give us widest coverage as well as future-proofing for new devices. We hope to overcome the over-riding constraint, which has been the cost, technical effort and resource required to support Android, given its complex eco-system, within the limitations of the small but dedicated iView team."
ABC launched its ‘catch-up’ streaming iView service in July 2008, allowing consumers to watch ABC TV content on demand. The app also features iview ‘exclusives’, with streaming adapted to users’ bandwidth and network quality.
The service is also available on web browsers, internet-enabled TVs, blue-ray players and gaming consoles.
“ABC iView was one of the important first steps in the evolution of ABC TV’s content offering. It provides choice in terms of what people watch, when they watch it and on what device. Today we are taking it another step forward,” said Kim Dalton, director of ABC TV.
The ABC said the app is a response to changing audience behaviour and is preparing the broadcaster for future growth on the internet.
The iView service has proven to be a popular service for the ABC, with average monthly visits to the app increasing 22 per cent year-on-year in the 2012 year-to-date.
“At the ABC, our focus is always on creating and curating quality programs and delivery methods that are in tune with the media habits of contemporary Australia,” said Arul Baskaran, ABC TV’s controller of multiplatform.
Updated 11:36am, June 27, 2012.
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