A review by Paul Porter
This product was reviewed in March 2012 and it is free for all Sky customers.
About me
Hi, my name is Paul Porter and I am totally blind.
I am a Sky customer and use Sky Go quite regularly. I am quite happy with the App but would like more channels and of course audio description!
What is Sky Go App?
The Sky Go app is available for the iphone, ipad, ipod touch and a selection of Android smartphones. It enables the streaming of both live and on demand content from Sky.
What you can watch on Sky Go depends on your Sky TV subscription.
At the time of writing, 23 channels are streamed live including Sky Sports and Movies channels, Sky News and the four main Sky entertainment channels (Sky 1, Living, Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts 1). You can choose from a large database of movies to watch on-demand as well.
Using Sky Go
To use Sky Go you will need a Sky iD username and password. This Sky iD can be used across all Sky's apps and online services; this includes the Sky+ app from which you can set up remote record.
Once you have logged in the Sky Go app, it will subsequently remember your username and password.
When the Sky Go app is launched you are presented with an "on now" button. Selecting this button changes it from "On Now" to "Anytime".
In the "On Now" screen you are shown the range of linear channels ordered sports, movies, entertainment and news. You can only watch sports, movies and entertainment content if you subscribe to these as part of your Sky package.
Accessibility of Sky Go
If you are using an Apple device, then the Sky Go app is accessible with Voiceover. When browsing through movies the channel name isn't shown but the now and next movie is displayed.
Double tapping on the movie name opens the video player where you can stop, pause, rewind /fast forward the movie.
In the on demand section you have categories of movies and by double tapping you can find the movies for that particular section. You can then play the movie by tapping twice on the movie field.
Benefits and drawbacks
The app is accessible and works both with wifi and mobile internet. However do note, if using on your mobile network costs could be high for downloading video.
At the time of writing audio description is not available on Sky Go but RNIB is working with Sky to try to make this possible.
Statement from Sky in response to this review
Sky's Head of Sky Go, Holly Knill says that "Sky is pleased to be working with the RNIB and organisations like ATVOD to understand how we might be able to make Sky Go more accessible for people with visual impairments."
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