Sky Q gets improved Top Picks and new Auto Play features

Sky Q already promises “fluid viewing”, by letting you record more programmes at the same time than ever before, pause a show in one room and then carry on in another, and stream recorded content outside the home. Sky Q launched only back in February 2016, but Sky is already rolling out some fresh updates to improve the user experience.

MORE: What is Sky Q? When will Sky 4K launch? Here's what we know

New features include auto download, which will automatically start to download the next episode of the TV series you’re watching in the background, so it’s ready to start playing and saves buffering.

When you come to the end of an episode, you’ll now be given the option to let the next episode automatically play after 30 seconds, or you can manually select to play or dismiss it (shown above), in a similar way to Netflix and Amazon Video.

MORE: Sky+ interface gets Sky Q features with latest update

The Top Picks section that has just been introduced to Sky+ subscribers will be treated to more recommended content from live broadcasts, future ones and online video. Sky hopes it will give users a greater chance of discovering something new.

Other new features include a new Sky Sports hub homepage, being able to select a specific point of a recording or download by using the touchpad remote control and PIN protection for 18+ rated content.

Luke Bradley-Jones, director of TV and content products said of the updates: “Sky Q is the next generation of TV viewing and the new features are about making it even easier for customers to find and watch episode after episode of their favourite TV series, the latest live sport, or the best of the web.

“These developments are just the start of the exciting plans we have for Sky Q this year.”

Get Sky Q here

MORE: Sky Ultra HD 4K hands-on review

Max Langridge

Max is a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?'s sister site, TechRadar, in Australia. But being the wonderful English guy he is, he helps out with content across a number of Future sites, including What Hi-Fi?. It wouldn't be his first exposure to the world of all things hi-fi and home cinema, as his first role in technology journalism was with What Hi-Fi? in the UK. Clearly he pined to return after making the move to Australia and the team have welcomed him back with arms wide open.

Latest in TV Streaming Services
Cobra Kai
The 'perfect' and 'emotional' finale to Netflix's action-packed hit series is finally here
Emily in Paris
Netflix's UK prices are rising – here's how much more you'll pay
BBC
Netflix viewers may soon have to pay the BBC licence fee – and I think it's a good idea
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
Now TV to receive a major overhaul with new features and a fresh look later this month
DC League of Legends Super-Pets
This "cute superhero romp" from DC Comics arrives on Netflix just in time for family movie night
Apple Music new releases and playlists on desktop app
Hurry! Sensational streaming deal gets you six months of Apple Music for just $2.99
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever