Sky (Sky Broadband) has today announced plans to deploy the next major new update (Entertainment OS v1.3) for the operating system firmware (software) that underpins their broadband-based Sky Glass and Sky Stream pay TV platforms, which will introduce a variety of new features when it begins rolling out in the next few weeks.
The last big update, EOS v1.2, began rolling out in July 2023 (here) and introduced various features, such as the ability to fast-forward and rewind using your voice, as well as more personalisation for playlists, tailored viewing recommendations via the movie / TV genre rails and bug fixes etc.
The next EOS v1.3 update, which is due to start rolling out to existing customers from May 2024, will similarly introduce various new features, such as Auto Game Mode, enhanced voice control options and lower latency (i.e. quicker response times) on Sky Sports Main Event.
Entertainment OS 1.3 Features
Auto Game Mode levels up gameplay
Good news for gamers, Auto Game Mode is launching on Sky Glass which uses Auto Low Latency (ALLM) to offer a more responsive gaming experience for casual players. Simply plug in your console and Sky Glass will automatically switch to Auto Game Mode.
Add actors to your Playlist
Add your favourite actors to your playlist, and then easily find movies and TV shows they’ve been in to watch whenever you want. Soon, football fans will be able to follow their teams to enjoy the latest matches all in one place.
Simply press the + button on the remote whilst browsing for people in the UI, e.g. from the new Cast & Crew rail on the show page, or search for your favourite people and add from there. When a person has been added, you can find them within a ‘People you follow’ rail within the playlist section.
“Hello Sky, add to Playlist”
You’ll be able to use your voice to add movies and shows to your playlist. Simply go to the show or movie page and say, “Hello Sky, add to playlist” to save things you want to watch later.
Sky Sports Main Event soon to be available in Low Latency
Sky Sports Main Event viewers will soon be able to watch the channel in Low Latency, reducing the time between the action on the pitch and watching on your Sky Glass or Stream. Latency has been reduced by over 20 seconds, which means you can now watch your favourite sports faster than many other streaming services.
Sky Sports Main Event viewers will be able to watch sports in Low Latency over the coming months, before being rolled out to other Sky Sports channels this year.
Show Page to show Rotten Tomatoes ratings
Show pages will feature Rotten Tomatoes scores to save the hassle of googling a rating before jumping into a movie, as well as a range of new icons.
Enjoy all your favourite shows and movies with subtitles
All Ultra HD on demand content, including Sky Nature shows and blockbuster films, will have the option for subtitles by the end of the summer – a feature already available on HD
Coming soon, Audio Description, a popular feature on our TV channels, will also be available on video on demand content
In addition, customers who also make use of Sky Live (Sky’s smart camera) will be able to enjoy three new or updated motion games in the shape of Basketball Knockout, Tennis Smash: Racketville and the ability to enjoy a two-player music rhythm game of Starri.