Albeit amid some grumblings about pricing, Sky has launched what may cement the almost certain success of the iPad with a new mobile TV app designed to complement its iPhone equivalent.
Sky Mobile TV is the UK's most popular mobile TV service, with some reports suggesting around a quarter of a million customers, and the new bespoke iPad app has been created to take advantage of the increased screen size offered by the new device. The service is said to be designed to offer a high-quality live TV viewing experience on the move, with access to all Sky Sports channels and Sky News.
Sky Mobile TV gives Cola Football League games as well as live coverage of international and domestic cricket, PGA golf from Europe and the US, Guinness Premiership Rugby, ATP tennis and a range of other sports. Sky News is also available through the package.
Commented Emma Lloyd, Sky's Director of Mobile, "With millions of iPhone and iPod touch users already enjoying rich video services from Sky, we're delighted to once again set the pace by being one of the first UK broadcasters to embrace the iPad. No matter where you find yourself this summer, you'll be able to keep up to date with the latest breaking news, Test match cricket, PGA golf and much more besides, with one subscription providing access across both iPhone and iPad.
"Whether it's a Sky+HD box, games console, internet connected TV or set-top box, iPhone or iPad, Sky believes in giving customers the ultimate flexibility over how they access the content they love."
Sky Mobile TV app for iPad allows users to browse the Sky Mobile TV electronic programme guide for free to see what's on over the next 24 hours. Subscription to Sky Mobile TV for iPad is currently £6 a month for existing Sky TV and Sky Player TV customers who take Sky Sports and £35 a month for all other customers (both Sky and non-Sky TV). This latter pricing tariff has caused some amount of consternation among the iPad community.
Yet as a launch special offer, existing Sky TV and Sky Player TV customers who subscribe to the Sky Sports Pack will get three month's free access and then pay £6 a month thereafter. And all other customers who do not take the Sky Sports Pack (both Sky TV and non Sky TV customers) will be able to sample the whole service completely free for one month.