WML-based Woolwich service goes live on Sky

An updated version of The Woolwich's digital TV banking service went live today on Sky Digital, utilising the WML-based microbrowser.

The main improvement with this new version is the ability for customers to continue watching TV in a quarter-screen format while performing banking tasks. The company also says navigation has been improved.

Simon Newman, the e-Channel Director for Barclays and Woolwich, said: "This is a great revision to the Woolwich's banking service with improved usability. The use of picture in picture will enable customers to continue to view their Sky programme whilst performing banking transactions."

A new marketing campaign enables new and existing customers of The Woolwich's Openplan account to get a free Sky Keypad if they register for TV banking via Sky Active.

Tobin Ireland, Sky Interactive's Commercial Director, said: "The Woolwich service is the first in the line up of TV banking partners on Sky Active to convert to the WML platform. It takes advantage of the Sky Interactive browser-based technology and navigation tools that offer the scope for higher levels of online content."

WML, the Wireless Mark-Up Language, is the same as that which powers our own DS Mobile service, available on WAP-equipped devices. In its press release, Sky says the WML micro-browser: "does not attempt to mimic the delivery of worldwide web content to PC's, but instead provides the mechanism to rapidly create and deliver responsive, easy to use television services using existing Internet infrastructures including broadcast text pages, on-line interactive applications, interactive advertising and enhanced TV applications."

This approach is different to the one taken by cable operators; in addition to enhanced TV applications available in some franchises, cable STBs contain a browser equivalent to Netscape 3 - with specialised extensions - in order to provide some web access.