Sky iPad app to become TV remote control
By Barry Collins
Posted on 26 Jul 2012 at 09:35
Sky is turning its iPad app into a remote control for Sky+ set-top boxes.
The company, which already allows users to remotely record programmes on their set-top box using smartphone apps, is now planning to turn the iPad into a touchscreen remote control for when customers are at home on the sofa.
"In the year ahead, we have a strong pipeline of innovative new products and services planned for release," the company announced in its latest earnings report. "We plan to enhance the functionality of the Sky+ app to allow customers to use the iPad as a remote control for browsing the EPG, managing their Sky+ planner and selecting programmes to watch, pause, fast forward and rewind."
The app will presumably require the Sky+ box to be connected to the same router as the iPad, as Apple's tablet doesn't have an infrared transmitter.
The announcement comes as Sky posted record profits of £1.2bn for the year ending 30 June, up 14% on last year.
The broadcaster earlier this month unveiled Now TV, a new service that will allow viewers to watch Sky content over the internet, on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Ok that is cool
This sounds like a great idea, I hope Android and Windows 8 Apps also get the same upgrade for compatible devices. Multi-uses for tablets is a really good idea imho.
By skarlock on 26 Jul 2012 
Anyone else thinking of Dom Jolly?
They just to have the "honour" of having the largest remote control out there...
Less easy to lose it down the side of the sofa!!
By bronven on 26 Jul 2012
Good luck with that.
It's hard enough as it is to get the remote away from a teenager. I don't see how wresting it from their grip whilst they are playing Angry Birds on it is going to be any easier.
By synaptic_fire on 26 Jul 2012
Oh thank you Sky for giving me this great app that I don't need and then increasing my fee by £2.50 a month after posting a 14% increase in profits!
By watchman90 on 26 Jul 2012
Old News
My WDTV device has offered that for a while on Android devices.Also Gmote is very good.
By tomdebom9 on 26 Jul 2012
bejesus
I love how they talk about giving you an "optional" way to control your Sky box from their app causes people to get upset about stuff.
I have apps that I use for my amp and my sonos...it doesn't mean you have to use them, it is sometimes just easier but as the saying goes, haters gotta hate
By Bunnyman on 27 Jul 2012
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