Sky nixes developer mode on NowTVs with new update

[Arthur]

This effectively means that you can no longer run sideloaded apps like Plex on a NowTV. It's not possible to prevent the update either (apart from disconnecting the box from the Internet).

 

www.trustedreviews.com/news/sky-halts-plex-side0loading-on-now-tv-boxes-by-nixing-developer-mode

 

Sky has disabled the ‘developer mode’ on its £10 Now TV boxes to prevent users side-loading apps that could be used to stream illegal content.

 

In a blog post on the Now TV forums (spotted by Engadget) the company explained the quiet update was designed to halt piracy.

 

“The latest update has been designed to safeguard the device from piracy and illegal streaming of content; therefore it will disable the use of unofficial third party software or apps,” community manager Karl-F wrote.

 

“This will not affect your ability to watch NOW TV or download supported apps through the Channel Store.”

 

The Now TV box, of course, is just a re-branded Roku designed to promote Sky’s on demand streaming platforms alongside terrestrial platforms like iPlayer and 4oD.

 

However, a small community of users had chosen to enact developer mode and install apps like the Plex Media Centre, opening the box up to a much wider range of content.

 

The revoking of that right has left some users (who, let's not forget, forked out a whopping ten quid for the box) rather angry.

 

“Well unless you can confirm Plex will be available in the app store then it's definitely goodbye Now TV,” wrote Raevelyn. “I’ll likely invest in a proper Roku box, but i wont be subscribing to Now TV on it. That's me done!”

 

Others pointed out that you could still side-load on “proper” Rokus and pledged their loyalty to the manufacturer.

 

Edited March 18, 2017 by Arthur

[XiJ]

It's a shame. But it's hardly the end of the world. Except for those eBay sellers!