Another big win for BBC iPlayer on mobile!

February 20th 2009

At Fjord, we're committed to choosing only the best, most innovative and groundbreaking assignments. One such project has been BBC iPlayer on mobile. Fjord has been closely involved with BBC iPlayer since its first inception on the web, and in 2008, we helped the BBC extend the concept to the mobile platform. Since then, the service has racked up a whole host of industry accolades, including the 2009 Global Mobile Award's coveted award for best mobile music or video service.

Fjord first started working with the corporation on the initial concept for BBC iPlayer back in 2005, helping the broadcaster take the service from a revolutionary idea to tangible concept. We continued working closely with the broadcaster following the huge success of the service. In 2008, with Fjord contributing primarily to the portal design under the direction of the BBC Interaction design team, BBC iPlayer on mobile was introduced to the world – first on the iPhone and shortly after on Nokia's flagship N96.

This year in Barcelona BBC iPlayer on mobile was competing against mBlox's Myxer Music Tool Kit, Sony Ericsson's PlayNow service, Bharti Airtel's On-Demand Service, and Shazam Entertainment's Shazam on iPhone.

Steve Graham, who led Fjord's team on the project, said, "When we were initially testing the service, one lady actually exclaimed, 'Even an idiot could use this!' At the time, we thought there could be no greater praise. This award is a great honour and proves that our faith was not unfounded."

Olof Schybergson, Fjord's CEO and co-founder, added, "The Fjord team worked tirelessly with the BBC to ensure that BBC iPlayer on mobile would prove as easy to use and accessible as it's web counterpart. I'm extremely pleased to see the industry recognise all the hard work and creative thought that went into making the service a huge success."

The GM Awards are held as part of the Mobile World Congress, and are considered to be the Oscars of the mobile industry. The gala dinner was attended by more than 450 companies, spanning the online, finance, advertising, music, television and gaming industries.