How BBC Utilizes the Internet of Things to Enhance its Services
The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a revolution in the way we interact with the physical world. The IoT is the network of physical objects – devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items – embedded with sensors, software, and electronics that enable them to collect and exchange data.
For the BBC, the world’s largest broadcaster, the IoT represents an opportunity to enhance its services and stay ahead of the curve. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the BBC is utilizing the IoT to improve its offerings.
The Internet of Things and Broadcasting
The IoT has the potential to revolutionize broadcasting by enabling personalized and contextualized experiences that cater to individual viewers. The BBC is exploring this potential by leveraging IoT technologies such as beacons, which enable the broadcaster to detect the presence of users and provide them with relevant content.
For example, the BBC has deployed beacons in its iPlayer Radio app that are capable of detecting when a user enters their car. Based on this data, the app can automatically switch from visual to audio-only mode, making it easier for the user to consume content while driving.
Connected Homes and Smart Devices
The IoT is also enabling the BBC to provide more seamless experiences for users who consume its content on connected devices such as smart TVs. By integrating with the APIs of these devices, the BBC can provide users with more granular control over their viewing experience.
For example, the BBC has integrated its iPlayer app with the Amazon Echo’s voice assistant Alexa, enabling users to search and play content using voice commands. This integration simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for a separate remote control.
Creating Engaging, Interactive Content
The IoT is unlocking new possibilities for creating engaging and interactive content that connects with viewers in novel ways. The BBC is capitalizing on this potential by experimenting with formats such as VR and AR.
For example, the BBC’s VR experience “We Wait” puts viewers in the shoes of refugees fleeing war-torn countries, providing an immersive and empathetic portrayal of the refugee experience. Similarly, the “Civilisations AR” app enables users to explore artifacts from around the world using augmented reality.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the BBC is embracing the potential of the IoT to enhance its services and provide more personalized and contextualized experiences for viewers. By deploying beacons, integrating with smart devices, and experimenting with new formats such as VR and AR, the BBC is staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly-evolving broadcasting landscape.
As the IoT continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting use cases emerge in the broadcasting industry, and the BBC will no doubt be at the forefront of these developments.
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