Some big changes are coming to Sky devices and here is everything that is new.
Sky has just rolled out a major update for its popular Glass TVs and Stream boxes — and the best part is that it’s completely free for anyone with these devices in their living rooms. The blockbuster upgrade, which began arriving in homes last week, introduces several new features, including the ability to control Sky’s internet-connected devices via your smartphone and set programme reminders for anything listed in the TV guide.
The settings menu has also been simplified for easier navigation, and new accessibility options have been added, such as improved contrast controls for text and backgrounds within Sky apps.
Explaining more about the changes, the company said: “Sky’s ever-evolving operating system, Sky OS, just got better, giving Sky Glass and Stream customers even smarter ways to control their TV,” the company said.
If you happen to own a Sky Glass TV, Sky Glass Air device, or Sky Stream box, all of these features should already be on the way. There’s no need to restart your device or adjust any settings — the update installs automatically.
These are all the new features that are now available on your TV.
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You can now set reminders for favourite shows: Useful reminders have now arrived on all Sky Glass and Stream devices. That means no more scrambling around for the remote when a Premier League match is about to kick off, or the big end-of-season finale is being shown. Programme reminders can be set for anything in the TV guide. To access this update, Sky says you simply need to go to the show page of you’d like to watch and select “Set a reminder.” Once that’s done, a notification will then appear at the top of the screen when the show begins.
A smart new way to control the TV: Can’t find your remote? Don’t panic. Sky Glass and Stream gets the option to control things via the new digital Sky remote app, available on iOS and Android. From the app, it’s easy to find favourite shows in seconds, change channels, and manage playback (play, pause, skip) with just a tap. Remote app users can also enjoy built-in accessibility features like screen reader support.
Sky says its settings are now simplified: Sky has made some settings easier to reach – just press the three dots on the Sky remote and scroll right. No need to scroll down. The company has also moved the quick access menu for faster navigation to picture and sound settings, parental controls, accessibility and more.
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A whole host of new accessibility features…these incliude…
Upgraded voice guidance experience: Customers can now adjust the voice guidance speed to their preference when navigating the UI, as well as some of their favourite apps, including Sky Sports +, Sky Store, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and RTE
High contrast in Sky apps: Change the contrast between the background and text in Sky apps, by turning on High contrast via the Sky Glass or Sky Stream settings.
Magnification: Turn on magnification mode via Accessibility settings to zoom in up to 400% and use the number keys on the remote to pan across the UI.
Audio Description on demand: Audio Description is rolling out for Sky on-demand shows, bringing the same accessible experience already available on Sky broadcast channels to Sky Cinema and Sky Entertainment on-demand content.
