Sky has just pushed out a fresh update to Sky OS, bringing a handful of new features to Sky Glass and Stream that should make life a bit easier for viewers – though some of these additions might feel long overdue.
The update includes programme reminders, a new remote control app for your phone, simplified settings navigation, and a suite of accessibility improvements.
All welcome additions, even if some have been standard on other platforms for years.
Sky Glass is Sky’s all-in-one television with the service built directly into the set, while Sky Stream is the compact streaming box that turns any TV into a Sky platform.
Both run on Sky OS and deliver content via your broadband connection rather than satellite, making them easier to update with new features like these – unlike the somewhat neglected (at this point) Sky Q.
Programme Reminders Finally Arrive
Sky Glass and Stream users can now set reminders for any programme in the TV guide. Simply head to the show page of whatever you want to watch and select “Set a reminder.”
When the programme starts, a notification pops up at the top of your screen.
Do note that this option only appears for shows on the “live” linear channels (that you reach via Sky’s TV Guide) – as those are “on” at specific times. You can’t set a reminder to an on-demand show, since, well, it’s ALWAYS on.
It’s a straightforward feature that does exactly what it says, though it’s worth noting that Freeview devices have had this functionality forever. Better late than never, I suppose.
The thing is, with almost everything available on-demand these days, reminders have become somewhat redundant for most viewing. If you miss an episode of a show, you can just watch it later without fuss (in most cases).
Where reminders still matter is for live content – sports matches, breaking news coverage, or those big cultural moments like The Traitors finale when everyone wants to watch simultaneously and avoid spoilers.
For those occasions, this feature actually becomes quite handy.
Football fans in particular will appreciate not having to keep one eye on the clock during those chaotic weekends when multiple matches overlap.
Of course, remember that this feature only works when your TV is actually ON and you’re watching it – the reminder won’t be sent anywhere else other than your TV screen (while you’re watching something else, presumably).
Control Your TV From Your Phone
The new Sky remote app, available on iOS and Android, lets you control your Sky Glass or Stream directly from your phone or tablet.
Before you get too excited, this is exactly what it says on the tin – a virtual remote control.
You won’t find options to remotely set recordings, browse the TV guide from another room, or manage your recordings from the office. It’s simply your physical remote, but on your phone screen instead.
That said, it’s useful for those moments when the actual remote has vanished down the side of the sofa, or when you want to subtly prank your kids by mysteriously changing channels from across the room.
Setting it up is straightforward enough. Download the Sky Remote app from Apple’s App Store or Google Play, make sure your Sky Glass or Stream is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, and the app will automatically find your device.
Once paired, you’ve got full playback controls – play, pause, skip, channel changing, settings, etc. However, you do NOT get a virtual keyboard, which could have been very useful for entering passwords.
The app also includes built-in accessibility features like screen reader support, which could be helpful for users who find the physical remote buttons difficult to navigate.
Settings Menu Gets a Shortcut
Sky has moved the settings menu to make it quicker to access. Until now, you had to scroll down lots and LOTS of rows to get to the Settings option.
Now, you can press the three dots button on your Sky remote – which opens the Quick Access menu – and then just scroll right to reach Settings immediately.
Accessibility Features Get a Major Boost
Sky has rolled out several accessibility improvements that should make a difference for users who need them.
Voice guidance can now be adjusted to different speeds, letting users navigate the interface at a pace that suits them.
This works across Sky’s own interface and extends to apps including Sky Sports+, Sky Store, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and RTE Player for customers in Ireland. More apps will be added over time.
High contrast mode is now available in Sky apps, making it easier to distinguish between background and text elements. This can be toggled on through the accessibility settings on Sky Glass or Stream.
Magnification mode allows users to zoom in up to 400% on the interface, with the number keys on the remote used to pan around the enlarged view.
Perhaps most significantly, Audio description is rolling out for Sky’s on-demand content. This brings the same accessible experience already available on Sky’s broadcast channels to on-demand programming from Sky Cinema and Sky Entertainment.
Sky’s Ongoing Platform Updates
One of the advantages of Sky Glass and Stream being internet-based platforms, is that Sky can roll out regular updates
Earlier this year, Sky added eleven FAST channels directly to the main TV guide, including Sky Sports Classics, Sky Sports Vault, and various entertainment channels that were previously locked away in the Xumo Play app.
The platform also gained Premier League-specific features ahead of the 2025/26 season, including Team pages that consolidate all content related to your favourite clubs, improved catch-up functionality that lets you start matches from the beginning even if you tune in late, and on-screen match reminders across all channels.
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What would really be useful on the app would be the ability to add stuff to your Sky Glass playlist remotely. So if you’re out with a friend and they recommend a show, you can add it there and then rather than having to remember.
Do you have to pay to have the Remote on your phone?
No