New voice controlled features have been rolled out to Sky users this month, including the ability to jump from one app to another. Sky Go users will be able to skip ads on some programmes and access instant highlights on selected football games.
The latest update to Sky Q means it’s now possible to instantly move to another app using a voice command. This means users no longer have to manually exit an app and select another app from Sky Q Home.
Sky Q users can now also record what they are watching via voice control. Additionally, Sky has become the latest platform to enhance its Accessible Guide by allowing users to use their voice to access a list of programmes with Audio Description.
How does this work?
Move from one app to another. Press the voice button and say the name of the app you want to open. For example, in Disney+, press the voice button and say ‘Spotify’ to go straight to Spotify.
Recording: Say ‘record’ or ‘record this’ while watching live TV
Channel switch: You’ll need to know the Sky channel number for this. For example saying ‘Watch 101’ into the voice remote will take you to BBC One.
Audio Described TV: Say ‘Audio Described TV’ to access Sky’s guide to all audio described shows and movies.
In addition, mobile platform Sky Go has been enhanced with updates to allow users to catch-up on sporting action and to skip ads.
Sky Sports Recap (pictured above) will allow users who have missed the start of a game to watch instant highlights before joining the live action.
The number of devices that can be used at the same time has been increased to two screens. Subscribers with Sky Q Multiscreen or Sky Go Extra will continue to be able to use the service on four screens.
Sky Go: New functionality (September 2021)
- Sky Sports Recap: catch-up on highlights of a Premier League or EFL game that has already started. It’s available on iOS devices by pressing “Recap”. To exit, simply press “watch live” and return to the live game. Coming soon on Android and desktop devices.
- Ad-skipping on some programmes. (Some content will not have this functionality enabled.)
- Download programmes to a device to watch without an internet connection. Previously only available to Sky Go Extra and Sky Q Multiscreen subscribers, all users will be able to do this going forward.
Fraser Stirling, Group Chief Product Officer, Sky, said:
“The latest improvements to Sky Q’s voice control makes it easier to quickly switch between your favourite apps and channels, plus with Sky Sports Recap on Sky Go, sports fans, like me, will never have to worry about missing out on any of the action again. We’re continuing to make it even easier to enjoy the entertainment that matters to you”