By Jonathan Easton
Australian pay TV operator Foxtel has confirmed that it will be the first global syndication partner for Sky Glass.
Revealed last week, Sky Glass is the operator’s first attempt at making a smart TV range. The entirely streaming based product eliminates the need for a set-top box or satellite, and presents users with the full Sky experience directly through a UHD TV.
The device range will launch in Australia in late 2023 as a part of its streaming-led roadmap which includes the recently launched iQ5 set-top box, Foxtel said.
Foxtel has not revealed details on how it will integrate its own platform into Sky Glass, which launches in the UK with strong Sky branding.
Foxtel Group Chief Executive Patrick Delany said: “Sky Glass will add another dimension to our future as we continue to invest in innovation and reposition Foxtel to be Australia’s premium aggregator of streamed entertainment. We are incredibly pleased to be the first syndication partner for Sky Glass. It allows us to join a global product and technology roadmap created by Sky and Comcast, offering customers a world-class entertainment experience and devices, powered by Comcast’s global technology platform.
“Australian households are expected to have an average of almost four entertainment streaming subscriptions by 2025. Sky Glass will provide customers with a world-class user interface making life simple by seamlessly aggregating content from multiple providers all in one place, together with beautifully designed devices, including the Glass TV with premium quality 4K UHD picture and 360o Dolby Atmos sound.”
Sky Group Chief Executive Officer Dana Strong said: “We are pleased to announce Foxtel, Australia’s leading subscription TV company, as our first Sky Glass syndication partner.”
