This Wednesday, June 11, Canal+ gathered the press to formalize the redesign of its application. The French company presented its new user experience, claimed to be more intuitive and optimized. With a new player, new features, and new compatible devices, Canal+ wants to be everywhere, all the time. Like many of its competitors, the company is inspired by the manipulations popularized by social networks to improve navigation. We were able to test it.
New player
In the coming weeks, Canal+ users will see new icons appear on their Canal+ players. It is mainly on this player that the application update will be felt. First, as more and more viewers use their phones or tablets to watch content, Canal+ is integrating a “pinch and zoom” function. Already offered on a large number of video platforms, from YouTube to Netflix. Concretely, to benefit from an experience adapted to all smartphone or tablet formats, without the famous black bars, users will be able to zoom using their fingers as they would on an image.
At the same time, the majority of features are now directly on the images rather than in the player toolbar. To go forward or back 10 seconds, simply double-click left or right on the play button to review a scene or an action during a sporting event, for example. To navigate through the entire timeline of an episode or film, you will have to — in the same place — slide your finger left to go back or right to go forward.
Getting information about the content being viewed will also become easier with the integration of a window in the top left. Directly in the player, users will be able to obtain information on the cast, the number of stars awarded or even the release date. Finally, for series fans, it will now be possible to access the episode list without leaving the player, making navigation less restrictive than before.
Live streaming remains important
Unlike most of its competitors, Canal+ also relies heavily on its live streams. The application thus hosts all the DTT channels and private channels included in its offers. Many subscribers benefit from this live content, particularly regarding sports. To allow optimal navigation, the Canal+ application now includes a thumb zapping function. It will also be possible to control live streaming with the timeline directly in the application.
In concrete terms, users will be able to change channels by swiping their thumb to the right and left. A manipulation inspired by those of social networks like TikTok or Instagram, which have become part of consumer habits. More broadly, the new Canal+ application aims to be more intuitive thanks to direct access to the channel's current, upcoming, or past programs. With a single click, users will be able to view the entire broadcast schedule and therefore access it at the right time. Other important live features remain accessible, such as the ability to enjoy multiple live streams.
Our opinion on the new player
It must be admitted that the additions to the Canal+ app player are rather welcome. The company claims to have worked closely with some of its clients to offer the most fluid and accessible experience possible. We particularly appreciate the "zoom" and timeline navigation functions, which allow for a better experience on a smartphone or tablet. The most interesting feature, so much so that we wonder why it wasn't integrated earlier, remains the navigation between episodes directly from the player. Already offered on Netflix, for example, it makes following a series much simpler.
However, we regret that Canal+ didn't take this desire for innovation further by offering a redesign of its home page and its categories. The boundary between VOD and SVOD remains too blurred, as does the search tool, which still relies too heavily on keywords. A few weeks after the announcement of the integration of AI into the Netflix experience, Canal+ seems to be lagging behind.
Especially on mobile, where the experience outside of the player does not seem adapted to the format of these screens. With horizontal navigation still too prevalent, rather than verticality and the highlighting of more readable content, Canal+ would have everything to gain from rethinking its interface to adapt to new uses.
Canal+ arrives on new devices
Finally, to accompany this redesign of the Canal+ application (formerly MyCanal), the company announces that it has approached several brands and manufacturers to invite its catalog into their devices. This will be the case with AirFrance, where passengers can enjoy access to a selection of Canal+ content since May 1st. On long-haul flights, it is already possible to watch or rewatch films accessible on the Canal+ app or original series.
At the same time, the Canal+ app is coming to the screens of Renault cars compatible with OpenR Link. This will allow drivers to access the content offered by the company, exclusively when the vehicle is stationary. This is a step forward that Canal+ describes as necessary, as the number of electric car drivers is increasing in France. Canal+ hopes to become the go-to app for these drivers looking for entertainment during their charging breaks. It will still be possible to enjoy audio while driving; the app will continue to run in the background of the home screen. A feature that will surely delight sports fans. The same will be true for BMW vehicles.
Canal+ heads for VR
Available in the app store for Apple's Vision Pro since its launch last year, the Canal+ app is offering some welcome new features. First, while the experience was previously limited to viewing content via a window similar to an experience on a screen. Wishing to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this type of device, Canal+ announces that it has virtualized a legendary venue from the Parisian scene. Watching La Flamme or Gladiator II from L'Olympia will soon be possible. We were able to test the experience, which still requires some adjustments, but the result is quite impressive. It should be noted that it is not possible to move around the room, but the developers have had the good taste to offer us the best possible seat. A few adjustments are still to be expected, such as the possibility of reducing the brightness to offer a better immersion.
But the real innovation in VR is ultimately found in the production. Canal+ announces that it has hatched its first virtual reality documentary, an immersive exploration of the world of motorsport, which is scheduled for release in September. Produced in collaboration with Apple and MotoGP, it is the very first Apple Immersive Video production filmed entirely with Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive cameras. Canal claims to be the first studio in the world to offer this type of production. Viewers will follow the victory of Johann Zarco and his team at the French Grand Prix.
The images were captured by four Blackmagic URSA cameras, around the track, in the paddock, and on the podium. Since the device is particularly bulky, and spectators may be prone to motion sickness with this type of immersive content, it will normally not be possible to watch the race from the athlete's motorcycle. We were able to discover the first images, it must be admitted that the interest of such content is obvious. Canal+ explains that, at a time when tools of this kind are trying to become part of the general public's habits, this first documentary is a necessary innovation. It remains to be seen whether the reception given to this content will give Canal+ the desire for fiction or live broadcasts.
Key points
- Rollout over the next few months, first on iOS then Android and Canal+ Web App and finally on TV devices
- New player with zoom and improved return features
- Canal+ will offer its first documentary in VR on the Vision Pro
- The Canal+ application is coming to OpenR Link (Renault vehicles) and BMW
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