Sky finds three in four Brits adopt second-screen viewing

Three out of four Brits combine TV viewing with accessing additional content on a second screen, according to new Sky research.

Conducted by YouGov on behalf of the satellite broadcaster, the study found 34 per cent of respondents use laptops, smartphones and tablets to talk about the programmes they are watching live.

Going online was revealed to be the second most popular activity to accompany TV viewing, behind only eating.

Some 60 per cent of those surveyed said they like to use email as they watch telly, while surfing the web and accessing social networking websites were favoured by 65 per cent and 47 per cent respectively.

Recognising the growing popularity of second-screen functionality, Sky this week launched a new Sky+ iPad app that lets viewers connect with online communities related to virtually every television show.

It bolsters the previous iPad app's range of features, which include being able to use the tablet as a remote control.

"The fact that we're evolving from TV diners into connected consumers is a fascinating development and we're really proud of our leadership and innovation in supporting this demand," commented Luke Bradley-Jones, brand director for TV products at Sky.