Sky customers are set to receive a £290 refund as device shuts down after only two years.
Sky has officially closed down one of its TV services today just two years after its launch, with impacted customers set to receive a refund on their purchase. The firm states that this shut down has occurred so it can focus its “investment where it matters most”.
Sky Live was first launched back in June 2023 to add more features to the tech company’s new Glass TVs. Simply clipped to the top of the TV, the mini accessory offered new features such as video calls, games. and fully interactive fitness videos.
However, one of the most popular features of the device was that it allowed multiple households who also had the camera to watch live TV and sporting events together. This means no matter where you lived in the country, you could appear on the TV screen so it is like you are watching the game in the same room.
Priced at a hefty £290, Sky also made the accessory available at £6 per month on top of the Sky Glass subscription fee. However, while this seems like a small add on, many households decided to not buy the device due to already having a large monthly payment to Sky.
As of today, December 4, the company has confirmed that Sky Live will no longer work. For households wanting to get rid of the obsolete gadget, customers have been advised to either return it via a prepaid envelope or take it to the recycling centre, reports the Express.
In a community post, Sky said: “We understand this news may be disappointing to people who have enjoyed using Sky Live, and we’re sorry about that.” Those who bought the device will automatically be credited the money back into their accounts.
The amount of money customers receive depends on how much they have paid for the device so far. If shoppers paid the full £290 upfront, then this sum will return to their bank account.
However, if shoppers were paying the £6 subscription fee, they will only receive the amount they have paid up until their last monthly payment.
Therefore, if households had paid the extra fee for only a year – 12 months – you will receive £72 back into your account.
Sky added: “Sky Live customers will be entitled to a refund for the value that they have paid towards their Sky Live device, this will automatically be sent to the direct debit on their Sky Account.”
While the Sky Live device will no longer be accessible, the TV firm has decided to keep some of its features. Sky will still offer some of the games from the gadget, such as the recently released Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. This comes with the added bonus of being free to play for Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers.
Explaining why the firm made the decision to axe Sky Live, a spokesperson said: “Innovation has always been at the heart of Sky. This year we’ve expanded our Sky Glass range to offer more choice, launched the UK’s fastest broadband speeds from any major provider, and continued to invest in making the TV experience even better.
“Sky Live was part of that journey, and we’re proud of the ambition behind it. It’s given us valuable learnings that are helping to shape the future of our products.
“The most popular feature was gaming, which is why we’ve continued to bring even more games to Sky Glass and Sky Stream, with something for everyone in the family, including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
“We’re focusing our investment where it matters most to customers — faster, simpler products, unbeatable content and brilliant service. Customers who purchased Sky Live will be refunded.”
