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Sky launches its movie download store that also pops a DVD in the post
Sky's explored almost every way of serving up TV and film possible, but today it becomes a true movie retailer for the first time. The new "Buy & Keep" store Sky announced at the beginning of the month is now live, so anyone with a Sky+HD box can buy and download movies to own forever. They won't just sit on your set-top box's HDD though, as within a working week, you'll also receive a physical DVD copy through the post. Slightly unorthodox, yes, but it's likely why Sky can offer digital copies of films on the same day as the DVD release. Titles range from £8 to £14, with a couple of hundred from studios 20th Century Fox and NBCUniversal populating the store today. New movies will be added each week and TV box sets, too, albeit later. The next step for Sky is to liberate the films from your living room by adding support for tablets and mobiles, as well as adding other way to access Buy & Keep through Rokus, YouView boxes and its own Now TV puck.
Sky now lets you watch or record TV directly from Twitter
Twitter's cosy with many broadcasters that wish to connect with their audiences better, and in the UK, Sky's previously partnered with the social network for tweeting footy highlights in near real-time. Today, the two have teamed up again on Twitter embeds that allow Sky subscribers to watch or record content from within tweets by way of Twitter's mobile apps. Two buttons in these style of tweets, that will feature on several of Sky's accounts, send you either to the Sky Go app if you can't wait another second to indulge, or set your Sky box to record the TV show, film or sporting event via the Sky+ app. It's basically the same agreement Twitter has with Comcast in the States, as the microblogging platform moves to bridge the gap between the second screen and, well, screen.
Sky's renamed TV channel bundles make even less sense than before
We couldn't tell you why, say, Samsung believes the word "Galaxy" means anything when it's attached to almost every product, but branding can often miss its mark. Apparently, Sky's been taking flak over the name of its entertainment channel bundles, on the basis they're "not clear enough." Thus, they've been renamed as of today, but what we find hilarious is the new titles are just as nondescript. "Sky Entertainment" is now the "Original Bundle," "Entertainment Extra" is now the "Variety Bundle," and "Entertainment Extra+" is now the "Family Bundle." We have no idea what 'original' is supposed to mean in this context, but 'variety' at least alludes to a greater channel selection, we suppose. And, the "Family Bundle" has more stuff for the kids, right? Not really, no. The changes won't actually impact anyone, apart from the new names showing up bills, but it is dumbfounding that Sky would both consider this an issue, and then come up with this, erm, solution?
First episodes of '24: Live Another Day' to be simulcast with the US
Not wanting to be left behind by networks across the pond, Sky's been pulling out all of the stops to broadcast big-budget TV shows at the same time as its American counterparts. Following the season four premiere of HBO's Game of Thrones, which saw 538,000 viewers opt to return to Westeros way past their bedtime, the broadcaster has confirmed it's hashed out another simulcast deal, this time teaming up with with Fox to mark the return of Jack Bauer to UK TV screens. The opening double bill of 24: Live Another Day will air on Sky1 at 1am on May 6th, the same time as when US viewers will be tuning in. The 12-part series will revert to its traditional 9pm slot from then on, but it will also be available on-demand. After a surge in Game of Thrones streams managed to bring Now TV and HBO Go servers down yesterday, we wonder if Sky will be better prepared for when Jack comes back.
Sky looks to fibre-optic networks to bring you TV without the dish
Sure, Sky's been quick to embrace streaming, but the broadcasting giant has relied upon the humble satellite dish to bring TV to your home for almost two decades. However, there may soon be a conspicuous absence of those little black dishes in some parts of the UK after the company confirmed it'll soon start using fibre-optic networks to deliver its TV, broadband and telephone services. To facilitate this, Sky's teamed up with British network provider GTC to integrate its service into new-build homes, opening access to its TV packages, landline phone service and up to 300Mbps broadband in the process. The deal takes Sky into Virgin Media territory, where its rival offers similar packages over cable networks. It could end up stifling Virgin's own expansion plans in those areas, although the reach of Sky's commandeered fibre-optic network will be relatively small. Sky can't seem to shake it's reliance on traditional over-the-air broadcasting though, as the TV signal is actually being fed from a large, centralised satellite receiver. Right now, Sky taps BT's fibre-optic infrastructure to deliver super-fast broadband to homes across the UK, but limits TV content to online on-demand services like Sky Go and Now TV. Does this mean Sky is about to drop the satellite dish in favour of super-fast fibre for the whole of the UK? Not just yet, but one thing's for sure, Virgin Media will be watching with a keen interest.
Sky's new 'Buy & Keep' movie store ties a DVD to every download
After years serving only movie rentals, Sky is to finally let Sky Store customers download and keep films in its catalog. Following an earlier expansion that saw it open the marketplace to everyone in the UK, the media giant today confirmed the launch of its "Buy & Keep" streaming service, complete with a physical twist. Differentiating itself from Amazon Instant Video, which offers the opposite service the US, the company will let Sky TV subscribers not only retain copies of 200+ digital movies on offer, it'll also send the original disc through the post too. The DVD (not Blu-ray) will be included in the original price, which will range from £7.99 to £13.99 at launch. Customers with connected Sky+HD boxes will be the first to take advantage of the new service when it goes live in the "coming weeks," rolling out to smartphones and tablets later in the year. Sky says it will also expand "Buy & Keep" to those without a subscription in the future, launching a multi-pronged attack against its UK rivals when it does.
Sky's Now TV beta lets you stream shows on most Android devices
Android-toting TV viewers in the UK won't have to worry about what hardware they use to catch up on their favorite shows. Sky has just launched a new Now TV beta that runs on most devices using Android 4.0 or higher, including tablets like the Nexus 7. It also introduces support for the £5 Entertainment Month Pass, which offers 10 live channels that include Comedy Central and Sky1. You can still use the earlier Now TV app if you're running an older Android version, but don't count on the software hanging around -- it'll be phased out later this year.
Microsoft changes SkyDrive's name to OneDrive
Microsoft had little choice but to relabel its SkyDrive cloud service after losing a trademark dispute with BSkyB, and it's now ready to make that name switch. The newly rebadged OneDrive is functionally identical for existing SkyDrive users, who can go about business as usual. However, there are also promises that this is more than just a cosmetic change. The curious can register at a preview page to be notified when OneDrive launches with "more" than what they've known with SkyDrive. Microsoft isn't saying exactly what users can expect, but it won't hurt to sign up.
Sky Go boosts its TV lineup with 14 new channels
Sky's mission to boost its roster of mobile TV content has today seen it add no fewer than 14 new entertainment channels to its Sky Go streaming service. Available on iOS and a number of Android devices, Sky Go now counts a total of 57 channels after Comedy Central, MTV, Dave, Watch, Gold, Discovery, Nat Geo, History, Alibi, Nat Geo Wild, TLC, Animal Planet, Good Food and Eden all went live earlier today. It comes just weeks after the company expanded Now TV with the launch of its contract-free Entertainment Month Pass, which moved to overlap content with the sister service. In addition to the new channels, Sky Go users can access the box-set catalog of older ABC TV on-demand shows, letting you binge-watch Grey's Anatomy a-la-Netflix when you're out and about.
Sky to tweet near real-time video highlights from soccer matches
Seeing a soccer game unfold in bursts of 140 characters or less is better than nothing when out of TV range, but a new deal between Twitter and Sky means you won't have to wait to gawp at goals. Starting with the three matches being played today, Sky will begin embedding highlight clips from UEFA Champions League games, such as goals and interviews, in tweets from some of the broadcaster's accounts. Mimicking similar sports-focused arrangements Twitter has in the US, the Sky deal will allow fans and non-fans alike (through Promoted Tweets) to keep up with every bicycle kick and penalty in almost real-time. There's a catch, though: every clip includes an advert for Sky's Now TV sport and movie streaming service, so footie fans best prepare to have that brand baked into your brain 'til you wake up one morning with a Now TV box and no recollection of buying it.
Sky's Now TV box hits UK retailers with bundled streaming passes
Sky's super-cheap Now TV streamer is losing its online exclusivity and is heading to the UK High Street. From today, the set-top box is available at Argos, Curry's and PC World, with John Lewis set to follow in the coming weeks. Sky is also expanding how customers enjoy its content with new bundled content passes, offering extended access to movies or sports right out of the box. In that respect, £15 nets you a Now TV box with a 24-hour Sky Sports Day Pass or you can opt for a bundled 3 month Sky Movies Pass for £25 -- a saving of between £5 and £10. The expansion helps Sky grab a retail presence and lure customers away from rival services like Netflix and Lovefilm, which can't lean on a multi-million investment in Roku to push their own-branded set-top box.
BSkyB grants Microsoft temporary use of SkyDrive name in trademark dispute, allows it time to rebrand cloud service
BSkyB may have won the trademark case against Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service, but there won't be any renaming going on just yet. Today, the British satellite TV provider has announced that it's reached an agreement with Redmond, allowing the software giant to temporarily continue using the name SkyDrive while it handles the transition to a new brand. The arrangement, which includes an undisclosed financial settlement, also means Microsoft won't appeal against the ruling. For now though, you'll just have to find your own way to tell the services apart, until Microsoft figures out what to call its cloud offering going forward.
Sky's Now TV box is a £9.99 Roku clone that streams iPlayer and more
BSkyB started investing in Roku last year and it's leveraged that involvement to develop this new Now TV set-top box. Going on sale today for just £9.99 (including shipping), it brings a rebranded Roku 2 XD (no gaming remote) with software built for Sky's IPTV platform and a curated list of additional channels. Notably missing from the list are Netflix, Lovefilm, ITV Player, and 4oD, however Now TV (of course), iPlayer, Demand Five, Spotify, Facebook and several Sky channels are included. It gives up a bit in flexibility compared to the standard player, but the ultra-low entry price certainly makes for a compelling option. Roku is facing more competition than ever with new game consoles, Google's Chromecast and even Apple's TV ambitions, we'll see if partnering with traditional providers makes it the "operating system for TVs" CEO Anthony Wood wants it to be. For Sky, this is just part of a multi-pronged plan to move its TV offerings into the future, detailed in today's earnings report. Starting in September it will offer a WiFi equipped Sky+HD box to customers as the standard, and low cost wireless adapters to those with older hardware that isn't already connected. It's also enhancing Sky Go, with plans to add 10 new channels in the next year while marketing Sky Go Extra more. Finally, it's adding more content to the Catch Up TV and Sky Store VOD bundle -- check the PDF linked below for more details.%Gallery-194728%
LG inks Sky deal for exclusive Now TV streaming access on smart TVs
When LG invited us to an event in (thankfully) sunny London, we thought we'd be hearing about 4K, curved OLED and huge price tags. It wasn't about hardware at all, in fact, as LG announced it has partnered with Sky to add the Now TV movie and sport streaming service to its smart TV line-up. Starting in August, Now TV content will be exclusive to LG sets for "a minimum of 12 months." Those purchasing new home entertainment kit will get three months of free access to Now TV's movie catalogue, as well as three free 24-hour sports passes. If you're in possession of an LG smart TV from this year or last, or a 2013 era Blu-ray player or home cinema system, you may miss the introductory offer but will still be able to download the Now TV app. The only kicker is that Now TV doesn't currently broadcast HD content, so don't expect those movies to pop on your 84-inch 4K monster.
BSkyB wins trademark case against Microsoft over SkyDrive name
While many can tell the difference between Sky TV services and Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage, that's not necessarily true for everyone. A British court certainly thinks there's room for confusion: it has ruled that SkyDrive infringes BSkyB's trademarks on the Sky name in both the UK and the European Union. The presiding judge didn't believe that Microsoft's use of the "sky" prefix was absolutely necessary, and she showed evidence that at least some of the general public didn't understand which company made what. Microsoft says it plans to appeal the verdict, although there's no guarantee that it will have to relabel SkyDrive if the appeal falls through. Some past trademark lawsuits have led to fines instead of name changes, and we suspect Microsoft would rather pay out than lose brand recognition across a whole continent.
Sky adding more on demand content, revamping Go apps for summer
Lounging around in the sun is great and all, but what to do on a rainy day? One option is to get some TV time in, and Sky's got a few updates to share that might tempt you in front of a screen on dreary afternoons. At some point this summer, shows from Fox, Universal and SyFy will be available on Sky's On Demand service, as well as content from Disney if you're signed up for the Entertainment Extra package. Mobile apps will be getting a makeover, with "enhanced navigation" and a new design including bigger thumbnails when cruising through the VOD library. The Sky Go Xbox 360 app will also be updated to bring it in line with Microsoft's UI style. Furthermore, Sky Multiroom subscribers will get access to Sky Go Extra, which allows you to download content in addition to streaming, at no extra cost in early July. Vitamin D's overrated anyways.
Roku takes $60 million in funding, wants to be the front end for your TV
Despite its image as an underdog, Roku knows how to court some heavy hitters in the TV business: on top of a total $80 million in previous investments, it just received a $60 million boost this week. The new funding round has BSkyB and News Corp returning with checkbooks in hand, but it also includes a fresh contribution from Hearst, which wants Roku's help in building services for its TV channels. The media hub maker is getting more than partnerships in return, however. It's using the cash to expand its Roku Ready program, which now includes 24 hardware partners. The company's Anthony Wood ultimately wants Roku software to be commonplace -- it can be an "operating system for televisions," he tells The Hollywood Reporter. While there's no guarantee that Roku will reach that kind of ubiquity, it may well have the cash to get there.
BSkyB paying Virgin Media $74 million for a network makeover
Customers with Sky Broadband might find their provider's capacity crawling northward toward the end of the year. The broadcaster is paying Virgin Media's business arm £49 million ($74 million) for some of Richard Branson Liberty Global's deliciously fast fiber infrastructure. While there's no mention of BT, we wouldn't be surprised if this technological makeover was prompted by its corporate rival's recent assault on Sky's sporty golden goose.
Sky to buy Telefonica UK's fixed phone line and broadband business for up to £200 million
Sky already supplies fixed phone line and broadband on top of its TV services in the UK, but it's just announced it'll be gaining a few more customers. The company has shaken hands with Telefonica UK to purchase the latter's broadband and phone line business provided by the consumer-facing O2 and BE brands. As you would imagine, big bucks will change hands: Sky plans to fork over £180 million (around $273 million) right off the bat, and will write a check for up to a further £20 million (circa $30 million) "dependent upon the successful delivery and completion of the customer migration process by Telefonica UK." Regulators will need to give the deal the thumbs up before it's official, but if and when that happens, Sky will become the second biggest ISP in the UK after adding over 500,000 new customers to its books. Should everything progress as planned, the buyout will be completed by the end of April, which gives Rupert Murdoch just enough time to carry out the vault extension he'll need. Update: If you're worried this transaction will impact anything you're currently signed up to, you can probably rest easy. O2 has tweeted one of our editors to report "there will be no material change to a customer's broadband service and no fundamental contract change."
The Cloud offering free Wi-Fi hotspots to AT&T customers in the UK
If you're an AT&T cellular customer, you're due for some free WiFi on your next trip to the UK, courtesy of The Cloud. The company, which is owned by satellite and telephony provider BSkyB, has inked a deal with AT&T to offer its customers free access to 16,000 WiFi hotspots throughout the United Kingdom -- up to a point. Under the deal, you'll be able to get up to 1 GB of data usage a month from hotspots operated by The Cloud. There's no word on whether or not AT&T customers will receive any special pricing on additional data if they go over that amount. Still, it's a nice bonus and should be enough for most travelers who'd normally have to pay for additional data bundles before heading abroad to avoid massive roaming charges. AT&T offers a free WiFi International app on the App Store for finding hotspots abroad -- including those operated by The Cloud -- and signing into them without the need for password-based authentication. [Via iMore]
