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BBC Store to take on iTunes with permanent downloads

You'll be able to keep the shows you buy from BBC Store, and 7-day catch-up becomes 30 days – and some shows will even be iPlayer-first

Esat Dedezade

The BBC’s new Director General Lord Tony Hall has revealed plans for BBC Store – an online service which will let viewers purchase programmes and download them to keep permanently.

While exact details of the upcoming service are scarce (it’s unclear whether or not a subscription-based model will be implemented), it’s still encouraging news for viewers who want to enjoy their favourite programmes over and over again.

An exact launch date for the BBC store remains a mystery, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated with more news as and when it’s announced.

In addition to teasing us with its store, the BBC also announced a number of improvements to iPlayer.

iPlayer’s current seven day catch-up window will be extended to 30 days, with many shows actually being available on iPlayer before being broadcast on television – following the trend for digital-first programme availability.

Users will also be able to create their own personalised evening schedule with more relevant and personalised recommendations. 

BBC Playlister

Another new service called BBC Playlister will let users tag their favourite tracks to a personal online playlist before hearing them in full on music services like Spotify and Deezer, and DJs and Presenters will also be able to recommend tracks to listeners and viewers.

BBC Playlister will launch over the next few days on PC and on mobile browsers, with iPlayer Radio integration due to arrive at a later date.

Profile image of Esat Dedezade Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.