Sky TV announces “premium” satellite service SkyQ: All the Details, UK Release Date, Price



The slimmer new SkyQ Silver hardware, which boasts a 2TB hard drive



SKY has announced a brand-new satellite television service, dubbed SkyQ, which will sit alongside its current Sky+ and NOW TV services.

 

Sky TV this morning announced a brand-new “premium” television service.

Dubbed SkyQ – the new satellite television hardware and service will sit alongside the company’s current device line-up, Sky+ and NOW TV.

The service is set to launch across the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in earlier 2016.

SkyQ comes with a new slimmer satellite box – the Sky Q Silver.

 



SkyQ Silver is half the size of the existing Sky HD hardware



SkyQ Silver is half the size of the current Sky+ HD hardware and packs a hefty 2TB hard drive.

It connects to the internet for online on-demand content, is able to split-screen with supported apps – to get live updates from Sky News and Sky Sports while you are watching a movie – and can record four live television shows at the same time.

SkyQ Silver supports Ultra HD 4K video, although Sky will not launch its UHD channels until late 2016.

Alongside the new satellite box is a completely redesigned bluetooth-powered remote and a mini, internet-connected multi-room player, dubbed the Sky Q Mini.

The new remote supports voice search, similar to the Fire TV and new Apple TV hardware.

 



The satellite firm also announced a new multi-room box, SkyQ Mini and a redesigned remote



The satellite firm is also set to release a brand-new router for SkyQ which is more powerful than the current Sky Broadband router.

Each of the new Sky Q devices can also douvle-up as a wifi hotspot within your home – keeping you connected throughout your home.

Sky Q Mini and Sky Q apps all sync with the main satellite box, so you can pause on one box and resume your favourite show in another room.

Alongside the new range of devices, Sky has unveiled an overhauled user interface for the new Q boxes.

The new menu shares little in common with the existing text-heavy Sky TV user interface.

 

All of the latest SkyQ hardware runs on a redesigned menu

The menu has a large vertical column in its centre, which cycles through live, recommended and recorded television shows.

Apps, like YouTube and music-video channel Vimeo are also fully supported across the new boxes.

The new hardware also boasts some intelligent software features to recommend new TV series and movies based on your previous viewing habits.

You can also sync recorded shows across the SkyQ Silver, SkyQ Mini and smartphone and tablet SkyQ apps.

So you can continue watching the next episode of Game of Thrones on your phone on the way to work, then pick-up on the big screen as soon as you get home.

SkyQ will launch in the UK in early 2016. Full pricing will be announced closer to the time.

• Event is ongoing.
• Some details are subject to change.