KT SkyLife brings Android platform into UHD broadcasting

By Lee Min-hyung

KT SkyLife has combined the Android operating system (OS) into its ultra-high-definition (UHD) broadcasting service, allowing users to enjoy Google services on television.

The partnership between SkyLife and Google helped the local satellite broadcasting operator offer two-way communication for its users. This will enable them to enjoy live video content provided by YouTube or other Android-based multichannel networks (MCN), according to the KT affiliate.

“The new service, skyUHD A+, is the first step for us to expand our presence into a converged media platform operator here,” a KT SkyLife spokeswoman said.

The move came amid the growing popularity of internet-based media platforms with the rise of internet protocol television (IPTV).

“The new Android-based platform is expected to drastically change users’ viewing experiences at home, as they can access all the Google services _ including YouTube, Google Play Store or Google Play Movie & TV,” she said.

The platform, which comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, is also linked to users’ mobile devices. For instance, a user can play video on a television by using his or her smartphone, according to KT SkyLife. Users can also enjoy YouTube’s 4K UHD video content by using its Android TV application.

“SkyUHD A+ can also display a list of recommended content for each user by analyzing their viewing patterns, which will become another major selling point of the new service,” the company official said.