Comcast’s Sky Group is updating the operating system that powers its streaming set-top boxes and smart television sets.
Starting this week, Sky customers who have Sky Stream boxes or Sky Glass TV sets will be asked to download and install Entertainment OS version 1.2, which unlocks a number of improvements and new features.
Some of the new features offered on Entertainment OS 1.2 include the ability to restart most in-progress TV shows and movies, a new “continue watching” menu for Netflix programs and a new way to curate and manage playlists.
The restart feature works by connecting viewers to an on-demand streaming service where a program is offered, if one is available. For instance, if a TV episode is in progress on a BBC channel, viewers who select the show will be given the option to watch it live on the channel or restart it from the beginning using BBC iPlayer.
The same restart perk will support a number of other streaming apps as well, including ITVX, Channel 4 and Sky’s own.
Sky is also rolling out improvements to the navigation and voice controls on its Sky Glass hardware. If a TV customer accidentally says “Hello Sky,” the screen will activate for 30 seconds and wait for another input or voice command. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, the screen will automatically turn off.
