Sky, the UK broadcaster, has introduced a new webcam device called Sky Live, designed to enhance the functionality of its Sky Glass smart TVs. The announcement reveals that the device, which attaches magnetically to the top of the TV via USB-C and HDMI, offers a range of features including watch parties with friends, fitness and gaming capabilities, video calls, and group chats.
Fraser Stirling, Sky’s global chief product officer, highlighted the ability of Sky Live to transform the TV into a multifunctional entertainment hub for the home. He emphasized the device’s motion control games, body tracking technology for workouts, video calling on the big screen, and the opportunity to watch TV with loved ones, even when physically apart. Stirling also emphasized the continuous improvement of Sky Live through regular updates within the powerful Entertainment OS ecosystem.
The rectangular Sky Live webcam features a 12-megapixel camera with an ultrawide 106-degree field of view, capturing video at up to 4K resolution. The device includes a white status LED, four microphones for enhanced audio quality, and an auto-framing feature to keep users in the center of the shot. Additionally, background noise suppression ensures clear audio during broadcasts.
One of the standout features of Sky Live is the “Watch Together” capability, enabling remote watch parties with up to 11 other households. The video feeds of friends appear alongside the main feed, facilitating shared viewing experiences. This feature works with all live channels and Sky’s on-demand programs, although it does not support third-party streaming services like Netflix. Sky promises synchronized playback among all participants to avoid any timing discrepancies.
Sky Live goes beyond a webcam and incorporates motion control functionality similar to the Kinect. It includes the Mvmnt fitness app, which offers 130 interactive workouts with motion tracking technology to monitor users’ form and repetitions. The device also supports motion-controlled games such as Fruit Ninja and a multiplayer version of Monopoly that can be controlled using the TV’s remote. Additionally, users can make Zoom calls with full HD video and auto-tracking features to keep participants centered in the frame.
To use Sky Live, customers need to have a Sky Glass smart TV. The device is available for purchase as a standalone product for £290 ($370), with alternative options including £6 per month over 48 months or £12 per month on a 24-month contract. Sky is also offering introductory discounts for customers who purchase Sky Live with a Smart Glass TV. The Smart Glass TV, initially launched in 2021, comes in 43-, 55-, and 65-inch versions and starts at around £14 per month.
