SKY is discontinuing a major product less than three years after launching with the promise to “transform the way you use your TV”.
Affected customers will be able to claim a refund once the service shuts down completely next month.
Sky Live was launched back in June 2023 as a camera accessory for Sky Glass.
It enabled users to play games by moving around, as well as watch football matches on Sky Sports with friends virtually, and send video cards to others too.
The extra device didn’t come cheap, costing £290 to buy outright or £6 per month on a 24-month plan with a Sky Glass subscription.
Sky hasn’t detailed the exact reason why it’s decided to cut the product so soon.
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“Innovation has always been at the heart of Sky,” a Sky rep told The Sun.
“This year we’ve expanded our Sky Glass range to offer more choice, launched the UK’s fastest broadband speeds from any major provider, and continued to invest in making the TV experience even better.
“Sky Live was part of that journey, and we’re proud of the ambition behind it. It’s given us valuable learnings that are helping to shape the future of our products.
“The most popular feature was gaming, which is why we’ve continued to bring even more games to Sky Glass and Sky Stream, with something for everyone in the family, including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
“We’re focusing our investment where it matters most to customers — faster, simpler products, unbeatable content and brilliant service. Customers who purchased Sky Live will be refunded.”
The move comes just weeks after the broadcasting giant cut around 600 jobs.
It’s thought the redundancies mostly hit tech teams.
Sky Live is due to stop working on December 4.
All Sky customers that purchased Sky Live will receive a refund for the amount they’ve paid towards the device.
SAD BUT NOT SURPRISING
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
I tried Sky Live when it first launched and was super impressed with how fun it was – you had major names like Peppa Pig on board to keep the family entertained.
Sadly, I did not know anyone who actually used it.
It felt like something developed with Covid-19 lockdowns in mind, allowing you to chat and even do workouts.
As other tech giants who banked on “stay at home” gadgets have come to realise, people do actually like going out and seeing mates in the flesh.
More than 90 per cent of Sky’s new TV subscriptions are for Sky Glass or Sky Stream.
But I believe the cost of Sky Live ultimately put people off, especially during a cost of living crisis and ever-increasing bills in general.
