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BBC flashes web 2.0 'badge'
Silverlight offers Auntie a glimpse of the future

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Wednesday 02 May 2007

The BBC has developed a prototype personalised content service for its Radio 1 website, with the aim of enabling users to receive and create tailored packages of content.

The tech was developed in four weeks using Microsoft's Silverlight cross-platform development software - which means content could be shared through Windows Live Messenger or social networking sites.

A BBC spokeswoman said there are no current plans to launch any services based on the prototype but added: "It's all about expanding our web service."

The project was headed by BBC.co.uk executive producer, Jason DaPonte, with help from website consultancy AKQA, IT services company Ioko and Microsoft.

Cheat Sheets

♦ Web 2.0
♦ Mash-ups

An example of how the tech could be used would be for music festival goers to text a number to gain access to a related package or so-called 'badge' of content.

The badge would include a variety of media content linked to the festival - including music, video, pictures and interviews.

Alternatively users could put together their own badges using Radio 1 content which they could then choose to share with friends.

DaPonte said the tech would also start to recognise users' tastes as their online footprints expand, offering them even more appropriate content.

The prototype is part of the work the BBC is carrying out with various technology companies to develop and increase its web 2.0 capability.

DaPonte said the project illustrates the BBC's commitment to providing online services that are more "open, personal and participatory", using the latest technologies.