Sky+ enhanced search App
June 4, 2013
Sky customers can find their favourite shows more easily following the launch of an enhanced search service on Sky+.
The new functionality – which rolls out from today on the Sky+ app on Android – lets customers discover TV shows by cast names, actors and key words to find anything from cooking shows or comedy to the next big cricket match, complementing the existing service which searches content by programme title.
The enhanced service generates auto-suggestions based on letters being typed and the current popular TV search terms. The intelligent search will develop and evolve as more and more customers run searches via the Sky+ app. It will also suggest words that the customers might be searching for, with results updating as more characters are added to the search box.
For example, if a customer types the letter “L” the top result will be the current British and Irish Lions Tour, then other results such as Life of Pi, Lincoln and The Lion King will start to appear in order of current popularity as additional letters are typed. When Lions Tour is selected, all the next matches will be shown. Or if customers search for an actor, such as Adam Sandler, the search results will show all the movies he’s in currently showing on Sky, whether it’s in the TV Guide, available On Demand or in Sky Store.
On Demand listings have also been added to the Sky+ app on Android, allowing customers to browse Catch Up, TV Box Sets, Sky Movies and Sky Store. When the Sky+ app is connected to a Sky+HD box via Wi-Fi customers will also be able to download the show they want to watch to their Sky+HD box in just a few screen taps.
Luke Bradley-Jones, Brand Director, TV Products, comments: “The Sky+ app continues to prove hugely popular, with millions of Sky customers embracing the convenience of being able to set recordings of their favourite shows and use their phone or tablet as a remote control. We’re now taking the Sky+ experience even further, with enhanced search letting customers find shows in a more intuitive and faster way. And as more customers use search, the richer the technology that powers the search suggestions will become.’
Sky customers can already take more control of their main TV experience through the Sky+ app, using it to change channels as well as pause, play and rewind TV with a swipe or tap of their fingers on the screen. Sky customers can also manage their planner through the app, allowing them to add and delete recordings they have stored on their Sky+HD box without