UK broadcaster Sky has unveiled a revolutionary device known as Sky Live, designed to elevate the television-watching experience for consumers. With the ability to attach magnetically to the top of Sky’s smart TVs via USB-C and HDMI, this webcam device introduces a range of innovative features including watch parties, fitness and gaming capabilities, video calls, and group chats.
Fraser Stirling, the Sky global chief product officer, expressed the significance of Sky Live in transforming the traditional TV into a comprehensive entertainment hub for the home. He stated, “Sky Live makes your TV much more than just a TV, by introducing new entertainment experiences for the heart of your home. Get active with motion control games, work out with body tracking technology, video call on the big screen and watch TV with loved ones – even from afar. And [with] our powerful Entertainment OS ecosystem, it will keep getting better with every update.”
The design of the Sky Live webcam features a rectangular shape reminiscent of the Xbox One Kinect, with a lens on the right side. It boasts a 12-megapixel camera that captures video at up to 4K resolution, offering an ultrawide 106-degree field of view (equivalent to a 14mm lens in 35mm camera terms). The device includes a white status LED, four microphones for optimal audio, and a privacy button for turning off the camera (although it lacks a privacy shutter). Furthermore, the auto-framing feature ensures that users remain centered in the shot, while background noise suppression guarantees clear audio in noisy environments.
A standout feature of Sky Live is the “Watch Together” function. This feature allows users to organize remote watch parties with up to 11 other households. Video feeds from friends appear on the right side of the main feed, and it works seamlessly with all live channels and Sky’s on-demand programs. However, it is worth noting that third-party streaming services like Netflix are not supported. The playback is synchronized among all call participants, preventing any delays in audio or video.
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In addition to its webcam capabilities, Sky Live also functions as a Kinect-like device. It comes with the Mvmnt fitness app, offering 130 interactive workouts that leverage the motion control technology to track your form, repetitions, and more. The device also supports motion-controlled games such as Fruit Ninja and a multiplayer version of Monopoly that can be controlled using the TV’s remote. Moreover, you can make Zoom calls using Sky Live, with participants displayed in full HD and automatically centered in the frame, thanks to the device’s auto-tracking feature.
To utilize the Sky Live device, a Sky Glass smart TV is required. The standalone purchase price for Sky Live is £290 ($370). Alternatively, customers have the option to pay £6 per month over 48 months or £12 per month on a 24-month contract. Additionally, Sky offers introductory discounts if Sky Live is purchased together with a Smart Glass TV. The Sky Glass TV, introduced in 2021, is available in 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch versions, with prices starting at around £14 per month.
With the introduction of Sky Live, Sky is revolutionizing the TV experience by providing users with an all-in-one device that enhances entertainment options, encourages physical activity, and fosters remote connections with friends and family. By combining cutting-edge technology and engaging features, Sky Live has the potential to redefine how people interact with their televisions, turning them into dynamic entertainment hubs within the home.
