Tata Sky launches app for iPhone

The journey has been quite a success. Starting from a unique range of interactive services, then the bi-lingual guide followed by the Personal Video Recorder, Tata Sky has roped in many customers, who are now happy with its offerings. And to add on to their happiness, the company has tied up with Ryz Media Inc. and launched Tata Sky Mobile Access. The app will enable its customers to access Tata Sky via Apple devices viz. iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

According to a report by Business Wire India, this app will help them used their Apple iDevices as a universal remote to control consumer electronic devices in their homes. It will also help them to access a 4-day program listings, read extended information for movies, search for programs by titles and set their favorite shows from their devices. And for those social savvy customers, this app can help them share what they are watching on TV via Facebook and Twitter. As of now, the app will work on iOS platform only, while the one for Android devices is in the pipeline.

The best part of the app is that it is available at iTunes Store for free of cost. To avail the remote functionality, subscribers have to use the app along with a unique orb-shaped MP3 mobile accessory, which plugs into the audio jack of the Apple device. This enables them to control theirset-top boxes, TVs, amplifiers and DVD players. As a promotional offer, the new orb-shaped MP3 accessory player is being given free of cost to the first 1000 subscribers. Subsequently, it will cost Rs 350, including postal and handling charges.

This is first- of- its- kind service being offered by any Direct-To-Home (DTH) service provider in India. Tata Sky is aware of the fact that there is a high rate of proliferation of smart phones and tablets coupled with the craziness for social networking in India. It is of the opinion that the app is a natural integration of TV entertainment with these smart devices and will allow its subscribers not only control their TVs and set-top boxes, but also make their choices based on what their friends and family are viewing.

Altogether, it is going to be a smart experience for Tata Sky subscribers. It is hoped that other players in the DTH space will also chip in to make such app in days ahead.

Will Tata Sky be successful in its endeavor of creating a new social TV experience?

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