Now TV hits Roku: Meet the world's cheapest Sky box!

 

Now TV, Sky’s internet streaming telly service is now available from the very handy and puck-sized Roku media streamer, giving you access to offerings such as Sky Movies for a much cheaper price than a full blown Sky subscription, with even more channels and programmes slated to appear further down the line.

While the service at £8.99 a month is a bit pricier than the offerings from LoveFilm or Netflix, with Sky backing the streams you’ll be sure to get a few more quality channels available, such as Sky Sports and Sky Atlantic which are set to be available soon, for your hard-earned dosh.

Roku boxes are fairly low priced, and the compatible Roku LT and Roku 2 XS boxes are available for around £49.99 and £99.99 respectively, making a Roku + Now TV combination a well priced choice for those looking for internet-based entertainment options. Imagine being able to watch Premiership games with nothing but a tiny set top box that fits in the palm of your hand – it’s happening.

Sky has invested some big money into Roku too, so the inclusion of Now TV within the media streamer’s system is likely just the start of a much bigger plan from the two companies. Tried it out yet? Let us know how you get on in the comments below!

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Sky+ iPhone app gets remote control skills

 

The Sky+ iPhone app just got even smarter today, with the addition of a killer new feature that puts it on a par with the iPad app: remote control. Starting now, you can boss your Sky+ HD box about with your Apple blower – read on for all the details.

You could already manage your recordings and set them from afar with the Sky+ iPhone app, as well as browse an easy to use TV guide. But you can now bark orders to it with your iPhone, pausing live TV and rewinding it, and letting you view and edit your planner while watching a show on the big screen at the same time.

The Sky+ iPhone app update is a welcome move, especially since many more people own an iPhone or an iPod touch than an iPad still. But it’s not the only game in town. If you caught our Virgin TV Anywhere review yesterday, you’ll know the service mixes in both the recording and remote control skills of the Sky+ iPhone app with the TV streaming abilities of Sky’s separate Go app.

Still, it’s more than you could do yesterday, and that’s something: let us know how you get on with it in the comments below.

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Sky launches new internet TV service for non-subscribers!

 

Sky TV has revealed plans to launch a new internet TV service letting even those who do not subscribe to any of Sky’s many packages watch shows at any time. Users will be able to watch the shows from any device from the computer to the smartphone.

If all that sounds familiar, that’s because it sounds like the current Sky Go service, however the new service will be quite different, and more flexible.

Should you wish to watch a one-off show or film for the evening, you’ll be able to pay for it upfront by renting it, doing away with the need to purchase a full month’s subscription – so you’re not tied up to any long deals or costly contracts. 



The current Sky Go service already allows Sky shows to be viewed on a range of gadgets, however, Sky Go is restricted to paying Sky subscribers, so Sky will be hoping that the new service introduces new customers to its plethora of services.
Sky already offers an impressive selection of films and U.S dramas. The announcement seems to fit in more with films and drama, possibly leaving football – one of Sky’s main draws untouched, but there’s no doubting that quick and cheap one-off payments for big football events such as UEFA Champions League games would be very popular.

We look forward to hearing more about what the new Sky TV service has to offer in the coming months. More as soon as we get it.