Broadcaster Sky announced a strategic partnership with developer zeebox, in order to deliver a “groundbreaking companion app experience” for viewers.

The media company said that it will be “the only TV platform in the UK to integrate zeebox’s technology into its own applications,” which include the Sky Go multimedia app. Sky has also taken a 10 percent equity stake in zeebox as part of the “multi-million pound” partnership, providing funds to support its future product development and global rollout plans.

Using the integrated apps, customers will be able to connect with friends around TV shows, find out more information about what’s on TV, and buy products related to programmes.  Later this year, a zeebox-powered Sky app will enable customers to access the Sky+ settop box remotely, to manage recordings or use an iPhone or iPad as remote control. The zeebox service is currently available for iPhone, iPad and the web, and also integrates with Twitter and Facebook.

As part of the deal, Sky Media will also become the exclusive advertising sales agent for zeebox. Sky noted that “zeebox remains an independent company continuing to operate its own zeebox branded social TV platform in the UK and elsewhere.”

Emma Lloyd, director of Emerging Products for Sky, said: “we know that millions of our customers have smartphones and tablets and regularly use them to engage with Sky on mobile devices, so it’s a natural next step for us."

According to Sky, its apps have been downloaded more than 20 million times, and in October 2011 three of them appeared in the top 20 UK apps by cellular data use. Its portfolio includes Sky Go, Sky News for iPad, Sky Movies, and the recently launched Sky Sports News on iPad app.