Comcast-owned British broadcaster Sky has unveiled SkyGlass a new streaming television and “innovation platform”.
The almost entirely wireless television is a large screen that can be installed swiftly and only requires internet to work – dispensing with the need for a satellite dish or cable box.
Crucially, the television will amalgamate shows and films from each different streaming service in one place, allowing users to search by title or category without having to log into each one separately, including Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Sky’s own Now service, among others.
It will even allow users to seamlessly watch shows where seasons are split between different streaming services due to licensing constraints.
Audiences will pay a monthly subscription fee costing £13 ($17.6) per month and be able to watch Sky channels as well as other streaming services in one place. SkyGlass has already signed up its first syndication partner with Australia’s Foxtel.
A package including the television and Sky’s own channels and carriage deals with networks such as Nickelodeon, E! and Dave will be £39 per month ($52).
The screen contains Dolby Atmos sound and there are three sized screens available ranging from 43-65 inches and in a variety of colors.
It is due to launch Oct. 18 in the U.K. with more markets to follow.
The revelation of the hardware is the latest strike in the streaming wars battle. With Sky and Warner’s deal believed to be coming to an end in 2024 – at which point it is likely HBOMax will launch in the U.K. – SkyGlass will ensure audiences have a reason to stick with Sky even if much of its SkyAtlantic content transitions over.
Sky’s deal with Warner includes licensed content such as “Mare of Easttown” as well as co-productions include “Gangs of London” (pictured above).
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