The updated Sky+ mobile app o ers near-full control of your Sky+ box from Android
Sky’s updated app puts you in control of your Sky+ HD box from the comfort of your sofa or the other side of the world. Most useful is the ability to set your Sky+ box to remote-record TV programmes when you’re away from home – as long as the box is switched on.
Forgotten to set the fi nal episode of Games of Thrones to record? Still trying to get round Sky’s bug of recording that second back-to-back episode via series link? The free app sorts all of that out for you from your smartphone or tablet. The app provides customisable seven-day listings for all your Sky TV channels, just as you do with Sky’s own electronic programme guide (EPG) on the telly. You can search by title, actor, channel, sport and other factors, learning actor and background info on shows, related news and live Twitter feeds.
Also useful is the app’s ability to let you see what other times a show is airing to help you avoid clashes. When several programmes you want to record are on at the same time, the app o ers a solution. Sky remote lost again? That’s not a problem, as you can use your smartphone as a remote control to Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind and change channels.
You can also manage all of the recordings in your Planner, viewing them by genre; add a series link or delete a programme you no longer want – without interrupting viewing on the telly. As long as you’re on the same network as the Sky+ box.
The app also works with Sky’s On Demand service. Using it, you can download programmes to your Sky+HD box. This should save any pauses when downloading shows. Sadly, iPlayer listings are unavailable while Sky negotiates with the BBC, but all the other major players are here, including Sky TV, Sky Sports, 4oD and ITV Player – as well as box sets such as the Sopranos, Alan Partridge and Dora the Explorer.
You don’t need an HD subscription to use the app, but you do need a Sky+ HD box. You’ll also need to log into your Sky account.
Verdict
The Sky+ app has been updated to manage On Demand services, record TV shows and series link while away from home. It can also be used as your TV remote control – indeed it can replace it.
