Tata Sky launches ‘Mobile Access’ app for Apple devices

Direct-to-Home service provider Tata Sky has announced the launch of the Tata Sky Mobile Access app in association with Ryz Media Inc. The new app enables 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 app to access four-day programme listings, read extended information for movies; search for programmes based on title and set their favourite shows for recording on the go and share what they are watching on TV through social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter.

Further, the app allows subscribers to view which programmes their Facebook friends are currently watching, helping them to decide what to watch. At launch, this app will be available on Apple devices only. An app for Android devices will be launched soon.

This app can be downloaded free of cost from the iTunes store and will work across all Tata Sky set-top boxes. To use the Universal Remote Functionality, the subscriber will need to use the app along with a unique orb-shaped MP3 Mobile Accessory.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Sky, said, “Over the last one year, India has witnessed an explosion of tablets and smart phones, combined with an unprecedented popularity of social platforms like Facebook and Twitter across all age groups. 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.”

Speaking on the launch, Zeev Braude, CEO of Ryz Media, Inc. said, “We are honoured to provide Tata Sky a platform allowing viewers to interact with, socialise, search and share TV content they are watching. Our platform allows service providers to roll out a fully customised and integrated solution in an extremely short time frame and at an unprecedented roll out cost.”