SKY has quietly revealed a key change about its beloved Q TV box.
The premium broadcasting giant has largely shifted focus to its newer internet-connected TV products in recent years.
Sky Glass and Sky Stream rely on a broadband connection to beam live channels into the living room, instead of the traditional satellite dish.
It’ll be ten years since Sky Q was released in February and there hasn’t been a new satellite-based product since – though Sky has continued to add fresh features.
Yet, Sky Glass has had two new versions launch since the first model released back in October 2021.
The constant spotlight on Sky Glass and Sky Stream has led fans of Sky Q to worry that it may be the last satellite box we’ll ever get from the company.
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And a contract with its satellite provider, SES, only lasts until 2028 currently which doesn’t help allay those fears.
Now Sky has made an update to its website that makes the firm’s focus clearer.
The company has revealed it is no longer selling Sky Q online.
Instead, it’s pointing customers in the direction of Sky Stream.
“Sky Q is no longer available to buy online, but you can get Sky Stream for less,” the page reads.
However, the move doesn’t mean Sky Q has been completely withdrawn from sale.
You can still purchase Sky Q in stores and on the phone.
“Although Sky Stream allows you to watch the shows you love over WiFi, there may be times when Sky Q works better for you,” the page adds further down.
There is one glimmer of hope.
Bosses told press earlier this year that Sky Q will “be with us for a while”.
Fraser Stirling, Global Chief Product Officer for Comcast and Sky, said in February: “It’s [Sky Q] still a great product,” he said.
“Customer satisfaction is really good still and the reason it’s good is because we’re still invested in it.”
MY THOUGHTS ON SKY GLASS GEN 2
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Sky Glass Gen 2 successfully improves from the previous model in three key areas: visuals, audio and set-up (I can’t tell you enough how much easier it is to assemble that stand plate).
The same wonderfully easy user interface continues to get better and better – not to mention Sky’s unmatched content.
But it’s really not necessary or enough for users of the first Sky Glass to upgrade to this new model.
Instead, this is very much aimed at those new to Sky Glass.
I can’t see many Sky Q subscribers being swayed due to the recording storage differences, among other things.
Make no mistake – while Sky has assured that it is still committed to Sky Q, streaming is very much the future and will get the lion’s share of new features in the years to come.
Read the full review here
