Sky has begun rolling out a significant and complimentary software upgrade to its Sky Glass televisions and Sky Stream set-top boxes. The update, which started reaching households last week, introduces a suite of new 'smart' features designed to enhance the user experience without any extra cost.
What's New in the Sky OS Update?
The centrepiece of this refresh is Sky's ever-evolving operating system, Sky OS. The broadcaster states the update provides "even smarter ways to control your TV." For owners of Sky Glass, Sky Glass Air, or Sky Stream, the new functionality should be arriving automatically, with no need to manually restart devices or change settings.
One of the most practical additions is the new programme reminder system. Viewers can now set a reminder for any show or event listed in the TV guide, ensuring they never miss the start of a crucial Premier League match or a must-see season finale. To use it, simply navigate to the show's page and select "Set a reminder." A notification will then pop up on screen when the programme begins.
Control and Accessibility Enhancements
Misplacing the physical remote is no longer a crisis. The update integrates with the digital Sky remote app for iOS and Android, allowing users to change channels, search for content, and manage playback directly from their smartphone. The app also includes built-in accessibility support like screen readers.
Furthermore, Sky has streamlined its settings menu for quicker navigation. Pressing the three dots on the Sky remote and scrolling right now provides faster access to essential controls. The company has also bolstered its accessibility options significantly with this release.
The new accessibility features include:
- Upgraded voice guidance: Users can now adjust the speech rate for navigation and within apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Sky Sports+.
- High contrast in Sky apps: This setting improves the contrast between text and backgrounds within Sky's own applications.
- Magnification mode: This allows the interface to be zoomed up to 400%, with the remote's number keys used to pan around.
- Audio Description on demand: The feature is being extended to on-demand content from Sky Cinema and Sky Entertainment, matching what's already available on live broadcast channels.
A Smarter, More Accessible Viewing Experience
This substantial free upgrade underscores Sky's commitment to refining its platform post-launch. By simplifying menus, introducing convenient controls via smartphone, and significantly expanding accessibility, the update aims to make the viewing experience more intuitive and inclusive for all customers. The automatic rollout means users will simply wake up to a more capable device, reinforcing the value of Sky's internet-connected TV ecosystem.
