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Is Sky Go available on Android?

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Our digital TV expert says...

Hi Graham,

I'm glad you got in touch about this - I hate to think of you missing out. Until recently, the Sky Go app was only available on Apple devices - iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch - but now that's all changed, as Sky (www.sky.com) announced in February that Sky Go was now available from the Android Market too.

You shouldn't have any problem installing it on your Samsung Galaxy S II as it's designed to work on a range of HTC and Samsung devices running Android 2.2 or 2.3 - the versions commonly known as Froyo and Gingerbread. Sky Go is free for anyone to download, but you have to be a Sky customer to use it without paying extra.

As well as Sky Go, which lets you watch live Sky TV on your mobile, there are other Sky apps for Android that you may want to try. For example, the Sky+ application allows you to set your Sky+ box to record a show or series from wherever you are with your phone.

Hopefully, that answers your question, Graham. The following sections look at Sky Go and other Android apps from Sky in a little extra detail.

Can I get Sky Go on Android?

Yes! Until recently the Sky Go mobile app was only available from Apple's App Store, but now it's been added to the Android Market, meaning owners of selected HTC and Samsung smartphones can also get their hands on it.

At the moment, it's only compatible with Android versions 2.2 and 2.3 - known as Froyo and Gingerbread in Google's lip-smacking lingo - but Sky Go is not just available as a mobile app. The service can also be accessed on laptops and PCs, Macs and Xbox consoles.

For more about Sky Go for other devices read our complete guide.

What can I watch with Sky Go?

Sky Go allows you to watch up to 32 live channels, as well as tons of on-demand TV and movies. What's actually available to you depends firstly on whether you're a Sky customer, and secondly, which Sky TV package you're subscribed to.

Provided they're part of your subscription, you can watch all the Sky Sports channels, ESPN and Sky News on the move, as well as entertainment channels such as Sky 1 and Sky Living. On laptops, PCs and Macs there's even more Sky Go content to choose from, including music channel MTV and kids' favourite Nickelodeon.

As it's a web-based service, you'll need a broadband connection or reliable 3G mobile network to get the most from Sky Go. But remember, you need to think about data costs before you start streaming lots of TV. Read our guide to watching TV online for more information.

Are there other Sky apps for Android?

Whether it's telling your Sky+ box to record while you're out, watching programmes on the move or getting the latest headlines direct to your mobile, Sky apps are a convenient way of getting more out of your Sky TV subscription.

They're all free to download, but you need to be a Sky customer to use many of the in-app features. For instance, you can only stream Sky Go channels that you pay for as part of your main package. As yet, not all of Sky's apps are available on Android, but the number is steadily increasing.

Sky apps for Android include:

• Sky Go - Watch live Sky TV on your smartphone. Depending on your subscription, you can watch up to 22 channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky Movies, Sky Sports and Sky Arts.
• Sky+ - Program your Sky+ box to record a show or series that's being broadcast in the next seven days, from wherever you go with your Android device.
• Sky News - Brings you the breaking stories direct from Sky's newsroom. Keep up-to-date by reading the latest news or watching it live.
• Sky Sports News - Access the latest headlines, as well as scores, fixtures, results and tables. There is also exclusive video content and you can listen to Sky Sports Radio.
• Sky Sports Football - Extra coverage of every game on the Sky Sports channels, with live scores, commentary, league tables, match stats, team line-ups and player profiles.

How do I download Sky mobile apps?

Sky apps are available to download from the online software marketplace of your smartphone or tablet's operating system. On iPhone and iPad it means a trip to Apple's App Store, while Android phones use the Android Market and BlackBerrys have BlackBerry App World.

You'll need to be signed in with your respective user account, but anyone can download the Sky apps completely free of charge, whether they're a Sky TV customer or not. However, you will need an active Sky subscription to use the key features on some of them.

Can I use Sky Go if I'm not a Sky TV customer?

Sky customers can use Sky Go to watch shows from all the supported channels they're subscribed to. However, with a Sky Go Monthly Ticket, you don't actually need to be a Sky TV customer at all. You can watch programmes online with no need for a contract or satellite dish.

The Sky Go Monthly Ticket gives you on-demand TV through your laptop, PC, Xbox 360 or compatible mobile device. Prices range from £15 a month for the basic Sky Entertainment Pack with up to 20 channels, to £40 a month for the complete package with Sky Sports and Sky Movies.

For more information or to purchase a Sky Go Monthly Ticket visit the Sky website (www.sky.com).

Remember...

You can compare TV packages and prices with the free and impartial calculator at Digitalchoices.co.uk, approved by telecoms watchdog Ofcom for information and advice you can trust.

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	Sky Entertainment TV + HD + Sky Broadband Unlimited + Talk Freetime	Get channels like Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic and more
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