ABC made history when it launched the first full-episode online video player in 2006, but since then the service has been somewhat overshadowed by new pretenders such as Hulu and the BBC iPlayer.
But despite the faults the player has, ABC.com leads the way with 8.9 million unique users accessing the service in April, and it also leads in minutes spent per user.
Now the network has unveiled its plans for the player, and intends to deliver a much improved platform to match its market leader status.
Much Improved Features
According to Reuters, come the autumn the service will undergo a full facelift starting with a completely redesigned user interface, with much improved search and navigation features.
Another improvement which has become a necessity with other more recently launched players is the ability to watch the videos in full screen rather than a small browser window.
Still No Embeds
One feature which ABC has still seen fit not to implement however is the ability to embed full episodes on other sites. Instead, the only alternative offered is the ability to send a link which can be displayed on an external site and allow a particular scene to be shown.
The new player will be beta tested during the summer for a fall launch to coincide with the network’s première week.
As much as an improvement as this might be, I would still have loved to have seen a full embed feature. It seems like the technology is still not being fully embraced by all.
