Sling TV, which allegedly has more than half a million subscribers, launches a new Windows 10 app to make its over-the-top internet television service more accessible. The Dish Network subsidiary also makes its service packages accessible through the new app, which is now available through Windows Store.
At the moment of writing, the Sling TV app has a decent 3-out-of-5 rating in the Windows Store, which is understandable for freshly released app. Most customers praise the app's user clean and simple user interface.
"Windows 10 is a natural platform for Sling TV as we continue to make it easier and more convenient for consumers to access our service," says Sling TV CEO Roger Lynch. "We have invested significant resources and hours in creating a superior Sling TV experience on Windows 10 that highlights the platform's unique features."
The Sling TV app for Windows 10 comes with an updated content-centric user interface that is based off of the UI from Sling TV's app for AppleTV, which was announced in June. Just like the Apple TV app, the Sling TV Windows 10 app also has a "My TV" tab in which users can set their favored channels, favorite shows and movies, as well as continue watching from where they left off — only available for selected programs.
The provider also added some features that are native to the Windows 10 app. Worth mentioning is Live Tiles integration that lets users view content from the "continue watching" and "favorites" ribbons without opening the app. The list also includes Cortana voice integration and vertical menu, along with a more responsive UI. Touch compatibility for touch devices, such as tablets, was also added to the app.
"We're excited for customers to experience the Windows 10 Sling TV app, taking advantage of capabilities unique to our platform," says Tuula Rytila, Microsoft corporate vice president for post sales monetization.
Those who are running legacy Windows software or just don't want to go through the Windows Store can always use the Sling TV's legacy desktop app. However, users should be warned that this legacy app's user interface didn't get updated and thus, users will have to work with the same old UI.
The on-demand and live internet TV service provider says that it will continue to support the legacy app on older Windows platforms while noting that the new Windows 10 Sling TV app will make its way through more Windows 10 devices in the coming months.
