Sky’s streaming TV, Sky Glass, is getting a free update these days that will finally add voice search to two popular video apps – Netflix and YouTube.
This means Sky Glass viewers will be able to use their voice, either via the remote or by directly saying “Hello Sky”, to search for content on Netflix and YouTube (see full instructions below).
Meanwhile, a new food channel is being added to Sky Glass at no extra cost – FoodXP, with chefs and cooking programmes from around the world.
And, to celebrate the launch of Game of Thrones sequel House of The Dragon, new voice commands and quotes from the world of the show are being added to both Sky Glass and Sky Q.
The new updates are being rolled out automatically to all users, so you don’t have to do anything other than wait for them.
Sky Glass is a 4K TV set that features a QLED HDR display and a built-in Dolby Atmos soundbar with six speakers.
Unlike other Sky services in the UK, Sky Glass doesn’t use a satellite dish – instead, it relies on broadband, and streams all the content to the TV, much like other streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV and Roku – or streaming services like Sky’s own NOW (see our Sky Glass VS Now comparison).
In my Sky Glass review, I was impressed with its global search and its overall promise for the future. Picture and sound quality are mid-range but decent, and there are still a few technical issues and missing channels.
At the moment, and until September 1, customers who buy Sky Glass directly from Sky can get A £100 Prepaid Mastercard as a reward.
Netflix And YouTube Voice Search On Sky Glass
As part of the new update, for the first time, users can now search the whole of the YouTube or Netflix apps with their voice when they’re in the app on Sky Glass.
Last month, Sky added to ability to launch YouTube with a predefined voice search, from the home screen, but the voice search function was not available while you were IN the YouTube app – and the same was true for Netflix.
With this new update, when you’re in the YouTube app, you can activate Sky Glass’ voice function (either by pressing the voice button on the remote, or hands-free by saying ‘Hello Sky’) and then say, for example, “Harry Styles“.
At that point, you’ll see a search results page for that artist (or specific music video) in the app.
When in the Netflix app, you can say “Stranger Things” and be taken straight to the show’s page.
Plus, you can also tell Sky Glass to volume up or down when you’re in the app.
Sky is also telling us that these voice updates will be coming to more Sky Glass apps in the future, making it easier to search without having to constantly tap the remote.
New Food Channel On Sky Glass – FoodXP
A new channel has been added to Sky Glass this week, at no extra cost (for Sky Ultimate subscribers) – FoodXP.
The channel curates food and cooking programmes from around the world, with a balanced mix of young and experienced Chefs. It was already available on Sky Q.
The programmes on the channel include It’s Summer with Kirti with renowned chef Kirti Bhoutika, Bake House with chef Bhumika Bhurani, a street food-themed show called Strictly Street, and more.
FoodXP is available on Sky Glass Channel 715.
House Of Dragon Voice Commands
And lastly, ahead of the arrival of House of the Dragon to Sky on August 22, Sky Glass and Sky Q owners can use quotes from the world of the show to control their device.
House of the Dragon, the eagerly awaited prequel to Game of Thrones, is based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
Set some 200 years before the events that unfolded in Game of Thrones, it follows the remarkable, turbulent story of the House of Targaryen.
The new dragon-themed voice commands don’t do much, mind you – other than simply open the show’s hub on your Sky device – but go ahead and have some fun, by saying to your TV:
- Dreams didn’t make us kings, dragons did
- History doesn’t remember blood. It remembers names
- Gods, kings, fire, and blood
- House of Targaryen
- Dragon stone
- Fire will reign
- Dragons are coming
Just don’t forget to press your remote’s voice button first (or say Hello Sky to Sky Glass), otherwise you will be talking to yourself.