Sling has arrived on Roku boxes, and will soon be available on Windows 8.1 devices.
Sling Media has been on a roll of late, having also just cut a deal with Arris that will see Sling technology incorporated in variety of set-top and gateway devices.
Sling Media’s latest version of its client (SlingPlayer 3.0) and the SlingPlayer channel on the Roku streaming platform are both available for download immediately. A sling app for Windows 8.1 is scheduled to be released in December.
The new version of SlingPlayer are also now available for iPhone and Android smartphones.
SlingPlayer 3.0 has a new interface that allows customers to build personal TV lineups.
The new interface is designed to also give sports fans an easy and visual way of finding which channel any particular game is on (versus surfing through grid guides). Once a game is selected, either for viewing on iPad or on the TV, fans can access live statistics on individual and team leaders, get game scores and log in to social networks.
SlingPlayer 3.0 uses social media for both discovery and engagement, the company said. Users can filter live TV programming based on their personal social media network likes and once tuned to a show, users can join the Twitter conversation with a live feed of content-relevant tweets or let everyone know what they’re watching via Facebook posts.
Users now have the ability to cast their Slingbox experience to a TV from their mobile device, essentially turning a SlingPlayer 3.0-equipped device into a remote control.
To work with on a Roku box, Roku owners will first have to download the free SlingPlayer channel, now available in the Roku Channel Store. Customers will use either SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone or Android phone to initiate the video and send it to the TV.
Models supported at launch include Roku 3, Roku 2 XS and Roku 2 XD as well as the Roku Streaming Stick. Support for Roku 2, Roku 1 and Roku LT models is promised next week.
Sling Media is developing an app for Windows 8.1 customers who own a Slingbox. This new app will deliver an enhanced SlingPlayer experience across Windows 8.1 devices including Surface, desktop PCs, laptops and convertible devices. Sling Media expects the Windows 8.1 app to be available in December.
Michael Hawkey, VP and general manager of Sling Media. “With SlingPlayer 3.0, we’re giving customers the tools they need to turn traditional prime time into Prime Time Social Time. Our customers have been asking for Roku support and a Windows 8.1 app. We’re pleased to deliver the Roku channel today and the Windows 8.1 app in the very near future.”
