Sky adds downloading functionality to catch up service

Sky has updated its catch-up app with some new functionality that allows subscribers to download films and TV shows with the ability to watch offline. The functionality will be available through an update for Sky Go and costs an extra £5 a month to utilise.

Paying subscribers will be able to take advantage of the new flexibility by registering the service on up to four separate devices.

The development is similar to the BBC iPlayer’s update in September 2012 that allowed users to download content to a device, with the ability watch content up to 30 days later without the need for an internet connection.

Depending on a user’s subscription package, the supplementary service marks the first time in the UK that consumers have the ability to download Hollywood films to personal devices and watch offline.

The new service differs from Sky’s streaming service NOW TV offering in that users have to be Sky TV customers in the first place with Sky Go Extra primarily launched as an augmented service.

The release comes hot on the heels of 2012’s developments which saw a variety of new functionality and catch up services from the main broadcasters added to their Sky+ HD box.

Stephen van Rooyen, managing director of sales and marketing at Sky, said: “Building on the ever-growing popularity of Sky Go, Sky Go Extra lets Sky customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four internet-connected devices.

“Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky.”