14 DAY TRIAL // Vimeo is expanding its Couch Mode feature, which serves a version of the site catering specifically to TVs and now to other 'non-desktop' devices, making it available across all browsers and on a number of devices, including tablets.
Vimeo launched Couch Mode initially as an alternative interface, aimed specifically at internet-connected TVs and TV boxes. It is very similar to YouTube Leanback in this regard and works great on things like Google TV.
"We launched Couch Mode about 10 months ago. We've heard some great feedback during that time and today, we're kicking it up a notch," Vimeo's Ryan Hefner wrote.
"Couch Mode now works on all browsers and can play any video on Vimeo. Originally, it only worked on Safari and Chrome. Now everyone can get in on the action," he said.
This is good news if you have media center PC or a custom box which doesn't run either Chrome or Safari.
Firefox is a popular option with Linux-based media center operating systems and the ones using these solutions will appreciate the multi-browser support.
Of course, there's nothing stopping you from visiting Vimeo in Couch Mode on your desktop either, the UI is designed for 'leanback' viewing and not for a particular type of device. Which is why it is working on tablets now too.
"Did I say it was only for TVs? I lied! It works great on the iPad and Android tablets too! Try swiping the video browser across the bottom," Hefner said.
Couch Mode was created with keyboard navigation in mind, but the interface, with big elements and buttons instead of links, is also great for tablets.
Vimeo Couch Mode also supports more of the features on the regular site, pretty much the entire experience is reproduced. Finally, there is also a new global search feature, which brings up a search window when you start typing something.