BBC iPlayer has created a prototype that recognises your voice

The BBC has created a prototype of its media player platform that allows voice commands and can identify users by their voice. This ‘voiceprint’ would mean that your TV would be able to recommend shows that you’d like just from the fact that it’s you talking to it.

The idea of devices recognizing multiple users is being implemented in smart speakers like the Google Home already, and it makes a lot of sense. 

If the device contains user-specific information like your payment details, or in the case of iPlayer your previous viewing history, being able to identify a user by just their voice makes the whole experience much easier to navigate.

A personalised service

Combined with the current trend towards voice control in smart speaker devices, it feels like the BBC is working hard to embrace current tech trends. 

It’s a timely move for the BBC as well, considering that it has recently implemented a rule that everyone wanting to watch content on its platform needs to log in before they can get into their Eastenders binge. In order to watch content from the BBC you are meant to have a paid your licence fee, and while login isn’t designed to be a way to ensure people are paying this, you do need to enter your postcode in order to create an account.

As this is just a prototype we don’t know when we are likely to see this become a feature that you’ll actually be able to use. If you want to see the full range of skills that the prototype currently has available, including ‘iPlayer, show me something funny’, check out the video from the BBC below:

Andrew London

Andrew London is a writer at Velocity Partners. Prior to Velocity Partners, he was a staff writer at Future plc.

Latest in BBC iPlayer
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Joy (Nicola Coughlan) explore ancient ruins in the Doctor Who 2024 Christmas Special
New Doctor Who Christmas Special trailer teases a full festive time travelling adventure and I can't wait
Jamie Dornan in The Tourist
BBC renews four critically-acclaimed dramas as it lays out plans for 2023
BBC iPlayer logo
How to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad
Killing Eve
BBC drops Killing Eve season 3 trailer – and an April release date
Netflix and Spotify are snapping up the iPlayer's younger audience says the BBC
BBC iPlayer to be 're-invented' by 2020
Latest in News
EA Sports F1 25 promotional image featuring drivers Oscar Piastri, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman.
F1 25 has been officially announced, with this year's entry marking a return for Braking Point and a 'significant overhaul' for My Team mode
Garmin clippd integration
Garmin's golf watches just got a big software integration upgrade to help you improve your game
Robert Downey Jr reveals himself as Doctor Doom to a delighted crowd at San Diego Comic-Con 2024
Marvel is currently making a major announcement about Avengers: Doomsday's cast on YouTube, and I think it's going to be a long-winded reveal
Samsung QN90F on yellow background
Samsung announces US prices for its 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, and it’s good and bad news
Nintendo Switch Lite
Forget the Nintendo Switch 2, the original Switch is getting one last hurrah in a surprise Nintendo Direct tomorrow
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display the January 22, 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors seemingly revealed in new video, and there’s another sign of an imminent launch