Tata Sky, which provide Direct-to-Home service, has launched an App that enables its subscribers to user their iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch as a universal remote to control consumer electronic devices in their homes.
In addition, subscribers can use the Tata Sky Mobile Access app to access 4-day programme listings, read extended information for movies: search for programs based on title and set their favourite shows for recording on the go.
Tata Sky Mobile access allows subscribers to share what they are watching on TV through Facebook and Twitter. Further, the app allows subscribers to view which programmes their Facebook friends are currently watching, helping them to decide on what to watch.
At launch, this app will be available on Apple Devices only. An app for Android devices will be launched shortly after.
This app can be downloaded free of cost from the iTunes store and will work across all Tata Sky boxes. To use the Universal Remote Functionality, the subscriber will need to use the app along with a unique orb-shaped MP3 Mobile Accessory. This accessory plugs into the Audio Jack of the Apple Device and enables the subscriber to control his Tata Sky set-top box, TV, amplifier and DVD player.
As part of the launch phase, the new MP3 Mobile accessory will be given free of charge to the first 1000 subscribers. Post the promotional period, the accessory can be purchased for Rs 350 including shipping and handling.
Speaking on the launch, Vikram Mehra, chief marketing officer, Tata Sky , said, “The Tata Sky Mobile Access App is a natural integration of TV entertainment with these smart devices allowing subscribers to not only control their TV and set-top boxes with their smart devices, but also make their content choice based on what their friends and family are viewing. This is the first-of-its-kind functionality offered by any DTH service provider in India.”