Sky News has unveiled its much anticipated app for the iPad, but non-Sky customers will only be able to access the news service for a limited period.
The as yet unspecified monthly subscription will be introduced through Apple’s In-App Purchase scheme, while Sky’s 10.1 million customers will continue to access the content as part of their monthly subscription.
A similar scheme is already in place for Sky’s sister channel Sky Sports News, where a separate iPad app directs customers towards the paid for Sky Mobile TV service. Sky News has been a part of Sky Mobile TV, where it has been streamed since 2005.
Although Sky is not yet a part of News Corp, it should be remembered that The Times website and iPad app is now only available on a paid-for basis.
“iPad was the next logical platform on which to break new ground. With more and more of our viewers embracing mobile devices to stay connected to the news, the launch of Sky News for iPad is one of the most important developments in Sky News’ history,” said head of Sky News John Ryley.
The Sky News app itself has been designed and built exclusively for the iPad and will be supported by a dedicated editorial team. Live video – the widescreen format doesn’t precisely fit with the 4:3 iPad – can be paused and rewound as would be possible on a PVR. News stories are presented both in order of prominence and in the form of a timeline that users can swipe backwards to catch the order of events.
