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Sky takes aim at Netflix, Amazon with new smart stick and download service

Broadcaster also announced rise in revenue and move into film production

Sky has announced the launch of a new smart stick as it takes aim at the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

The Now TV Smart Stick will go on sale next month and is powered by Roku and features voice search technology.

Sky says it is the cheapest on the market at £14.99.

Now TV also plans to launch downloads on its app across mobile devices, starting with the Kids Pass this spring. It also plans to allow users to stream live and on-demand content in full HD by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Sky also announced its first-half revenue rose five per cent to £6.7 billion, in line with its first quarter growth rate, and it said it had attracted 365,000 new customers, taking its base to 22.9 million. Core earnings rose ten per cent to £1.1 billion.

“This performance reflects the investment choices we have made in recent years, allowing us to more than offset the pressure on consumer spending across Europe, as more customers continue to choose Sky for more of their services,” chief executive Jeremy Darroch said.

Finally, Sky has also revealed a plan to move into film production with the launch of Sky Cinema Original Films.

Sky plans to show its original films in cinemas at the same time as they become available for its Sky Cinema customers.

The first film to be released, animated comedy Monster Family, will launch in March.