Jordan O'BrienFollowing the announcement yesterday that Sky+ users will be getting an update to make binge-watching even easier, Sky is now following suit for Sky Q users. The new features are designed to enhance the already streaming-friendly set-top box even further.
Several new features are set be added as part of the latest Sky Q update including Auto Download, Auto Play, an improved Top Picks and a few other features which are designed to enhance the box as a whole, rather than simply making it easier to binge the latest TV shows.
A phenomenon that started with Netflix, binge-watching is defined as ‘the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television programme in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming’.
Sky has been trying to make its set-top boxes more binge-watching friendly in the past few years, with the culmination of that effort being Sky Q. It would appear as if the company is not yet done however, with the Sky Q update making it even friendlier.
Brand new features include:
• Auto Download Next Episode:
When customers start watching an episode from a series they have downloaded, if the next episode is available it will automatically start to download, so it’s ready when customers want it.
• Auto Play:
Now when customers get to the end of an episode, the next one will automatically start to play after 30 seconds. Press Select to watch immediately or Dismiss to exit.
• Top Picks:
Introduces even more recommendations to the current On Demand offering, so with the best of live, future and Online Video now added, customers will find it even simpler to choose the next gripping drama, box set marathon or live sport to enjoy.
Luke Bradley-Jones, brand director of TV and content products, comments: “Sky Q is the next generation of TV viewing and the new features are about making it even easier for customers to find and watch episode after episode of their favourite TV series, the latest live sport, or the best of the web.
“So whether you’re watching Ray Donovan, The Tunnel, or the start of the Premier League season, we know customers are going to love the new updates. These developments are just the start of the exciting plans we have for Sky Q this year.”
Other features being introduced as part of the update are:
• Series Record:
When watching a recording of a show, if the next episode isn’t on until later that week customers can use the Mini Guide to set a recording for the whole series.
• Sports Featured:
The new Sports Homepage makes it easier for Sky Sports customers to find the best of live and On Demand sports this summer.
• Get to a specific place in a recording or download more easily by skipping forwards or backwards. Press pause and then swipe on the touch pad to move minute by minute, or swipe-and-hold to move to a specific time in the programme customers’ are watching.
• With PIN Protection for Online Video clips, customers will be prompted for a PIN throughout the day to watch 18+ rated content with the Family Friendly setting on.
The first software release to Sky Q will also see a number of software updates, improving in-home connectivity and other bug fixes.