Sky+ customers can now use their iPhone or iPod Touch as a television remote control after Sky introduced new features to its mobile app.
An update to the Sky+ app lets Sky viewers use their Apple devices to change channels, as well as play, pause and rewind TV with just a swipe or tap of the finger on screen.
Customers can also now get full access to their Sky+ planner through an iPhone, enabling them to browse through their existing content on a Sky+ box and set up or delete recordings on their planner - without needing to interrupt their TV viewing.
Earlier in the year, the same functionality was introduced for the iPad.
To access the remote control features, Sky customers need to connect their Sky+ HD box to the same WiFi network as their iOS device.
Alongside the Apple devices, Sky said that it will extend the remote control functionality to Android handsets in "the coming months".
"People use their phones as a one-stop-shop to manage virtually every aspect of their lives - whether organising their diary, checking their bank balance or paying bills - so why not use it to control their TV too?" said Luke Bradley-Jones, the brand director of Sky's TV Products.
"Having received great feedback about these features when we introduced them to the Sky+ app for iPad earlier this year, it's great to now be making them available on iPhone too, which is obviously the ideal size for use as a remote control.
"Combined with the convenience of also being able to remotely record programmes from their phone while out and about, the Sky+ app is cementing its position as the ultimate TV gadget, helping millions of our customers get more great value from their Sky subscription both in and out of the home."
Launched in 2009, the Sky+ app has been downloaded more than 5m times and now attracts an average of around 1.2m unique users each month.
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