Digital TV News

Sky teams up with zeebox on new app

Monday 9 January, 2012

By Anthony Hill

Broadcaster to offer “groundbreaking” companion service.

Sky customers are set to enjoy an “augmented” TV experience.

Sky is to integrate zeebox technology into its range of tablet and smartphone applications, adding an innovative “second screen” service for subscribers to use as they watch Sky television.

Since its launch in October, the zeebox app - currently available on iPhone, iPad and the web - has been serving up social media via Twitter and Facebook feeds, as well as providing “zeetags”, which are snippets of information on the topics, people and products being featured in TV shows.

With zeetags, users can navigate the internet, read up on the characters or actors, purchase music from the soundtrack or buy the products being talked about on-screen.

From later this year, Sky TV customers will be able to use a new app powered by zeebox to access their Sky+ box while out and about, so they can manage their recording remotely, and use their iPhone or iPad as a remote control at home.

Ernesto Schmitt, co-founder and CEO of zeebox, said: “Sky has a strong track record of innovation and we are delighted to partner with them to deliver zeebox's social TV vision to millions of Sky homes.”

Sky’s director of emerging products, Emma Lloyd, added: “We know that millions of our customers have smartphones and tablets and regularly use them to engage with Sky on mobile devices, so it’s a natural next step for us.”

The satellite provider already offers its customers a range of high-quality apps for the iPhone, Android handsets and other mobile devices. These include the award-winning Sky Go, Sky Movies, Sky News for iPad and the recently-launched Sky Sports News for iPad.

Sky’s zeebox offering will be launched in the first half of 2012.