Sky Glass is available to order now, but only if you've been a Sky TV customer for 8 years
ORDERS for Sky Glass are now available in the UK, but there's a good chance you're not at the front of the queue. Here's why.
Sky Glass is finally available to buy in the UK right now ...but don't expect to be able to place your order quite yet. Announced at a blockbuster event earlier this month, Sky Glass is the first product to untether the popular paid-for television service from the satellite dish. The custom-designed QLED TV includes everything needed to stream the same live channels, streaming services, and on-demand boxsets found on Sky Q. It also packs an integrated sound system and hands-free voice controls.
Following the reveal of Sky Glass on October 7, Sky offered customers the chance to register their interest ahead of order beginning today, October 18.
But those who thought this week would see Sky Glass orders opened up to anyone will be sorely disappointed. Sky is still asking customers to register their interest for the new custom-designed 4K TV, which starts from £13 a month. However, it has added an explanation about the delays getting your hands on the new kit.
"The magic is coming," Sky confirms on its order page. "We’re prioritising sales of Sky Glass to our pre-registered Diamond and Platinum tier customers who’ve been with us for over 8 years. But you won’t have to wait long. Register now and we’ll be in touch soon."
Yes, only those who have been with Sky TV for the longest are able to order Sky Glass today. Diamond and Platinum are the top-tiers in the Sky VIP scheme. For those who don't know, Sky VIP is a loyalty programme available to all customers. Download the My Sky app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device to register with the scheme. For starters, anyone who registers with Sky VIP will get a free rental on the Sky Store.
All Sky customers will enjoy a number of extra benefits, including free gifts, movie screenings, and experiences. Those who have been Sky customers for the longest enjoy extra benefits, including the ability to jump to the front of the queue to bag a brand-new Sky Glass telly.
Sky Glass re-imagines how customers will treat their purchase of a new television. Until now, most people buy a new telly when their existing model dies or they decide that they want a bigger screen size or new technology. Given that the average lifespan of an LED TV is between 4.5 to 6.8 years, most people keep the same television for some time. But that could all change with Sky Glass.
While it's possible to buy the custom-designed QLED TV, with the price of the 43-inch model set at £649, 55-inch at £849, and 65-inch at £1,049, it seems unlikely that this will be the most popular option. After all, customers who want to take advantage of the Sky-specific features built into this clever 4K TV will need to take out a subscription with Sky anyway... so why not pay-off the television in the same monthly bills?
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If you decide to spread the cost, the 43-inch Sky Glass starts from £13 a month, the 55-inch costs £17 a month, and the 65-inch model costs £21 a month.
This monthly fee for the QLED TV will need to be paired with a Sky TV package. The entry-level package starts from £26 a month and includes access to the most popular Sky channels, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Max, Sky History, MTV, Comedy Central, Sky Sports News, and more. It also bundles a Netflix subscription, so you'll be able to binge the like of Squid Game, Bridgerton, Stranger Things and more from your Sky Glass homescreen.
You can add extras, like Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and multi-room support, for an additional cost.
For those who don't want a custom-designed telly from Sky, the company still sells its Sky Q set-top box. Although, you will need to drill a satellite dish into your wall at home. Sky's contract-free streaming service, NOW, is still available for those who want to stream live channels and on-demand content without a two-year contract.
After the launch in the UK, Sky Glass will come to more European countries in 2022, Sky confirmed during the launch event.