New software shows British TV live on iPhone

British broadcaster Sky launched an iPhone application Tuesday which allows viewers to watch live TV on the move and is thought to be the first commercial TV service backed by the broadcaster itself.

The application, which costs around six pounds (seven euros, 10 dollars) a month, allows viewers to watch channels including Sky News and Sky Sports, which shows Premier League football, via a wi-fi Internet connection.

"Our new Sky mobile TV app (application) combines the demand for great live TV on the move with the high quality viewing experience offered by iPhone and iPod touch," said David Gibbs, general manager for mobile at Sky.

Commentators said the service could represent a breakthrough for efforts to screen live television on Apple's hugely popular iPhone.

"If Sky can ensure the quality of the service is good enough, this could be the catalyst for mobile phone TV to really take off," Tom Dunmore, of British gadgets magazine Stuff, told London's Evening Standard newspaper.

(c) 2009 AFP