Sky TV is shutting down its smartphone and tablet app for Sky Q, but don’t panic

Sky is closing down its Sky Q app, but you shouldn’t really worry.

The Sky Q app, which launched first on iOS and Android tablets with the satellite set-top box before coming to smartphones at a later date, was designed to enable Sky Q viewers to schedule their recordings, check the listings, and watch on-demand content on their device. It could also be used to download recordings from the Sky Q box to take with you – in case something wasn’t readily available on BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, or any other catch-up services but was sitting pretty on your Sky Q hard drive.

However, Sky is now sending out emails to customers prompting them to move away from using the Sky Q app, which isn’t getting any new features.

Thankfully, Sky isn’t removing this functionality from Sky Q viewers at all. Instead, the same features have now been migrated into the Sky Go app. This separate app was originally designed to watch Sky channels and on-demand content when away from home. However, it’s now evolving to become the catch-all Sky app.

It was always a little weird that Sky had two apps that did the same thing and when the transition over to Sky Go has taken place, then it will be a lot easier for viewers to understand. Sky Q handles all your viewing and multi-room at home, and when you leave the house – Sky Go is the one to use.

Sky Go has a new interface that simplifies how you navigate around the apps. There’s now menu headings for Home, TV Guide, Browse, Downloads and Recordings. This mimics your Sky Q box.

And just like the set-top box, Sky Go will recommend new shows and films based on your viewing history. So, if you’ve been binging on action movies, then you’re more likely to see Die Hard appear in the Browse tab on your Sky Go app compared to those who have just finished watching Chernobyl on Sky Atlantic.

Importantly, Sky Go has a number of accessibility improvements that aren’t on the now-retired Sky Q app. It has been made easier to use for those with visual or aural impairments. For example, font sizes can be increased without any loss of functionality. The video player used to watch shows on-the-go has also been improved to support audio description, too.

Sky Go is available now on iOS 13 and Android 10. If you’re stilling persisting with the Sky Q app, it’s worth downloading the new Sky Go app, signing in, and then once you’ve checked that everything is working as it should, delete Sky Q from your iPhone, iPad, Android tablet, or smartphone.

source: express.co.uk