DISH recently updated its second-screen iPad app, DISH Explorer, in order to provide its customers using the Hopper Whole-home HD DVR, the ability to control the TV’s volume and power from their iPad.

The app update will offer users personalized program recommendations based on viewing habits. It will be available immediately in the iTunes store, said the officials.

Launched in 2013 at the International Consumer Electronics Show, DISH Explorer is a perfect amalgamation of program-discovery tools, social media engagement, and remote-control capabilities on the iPad.

Officials said that by highlighting popular programs on TV using real-time TV viewing trends and its integration with Facebook and Twitter (News - Alert), consumers get a more intuitive and social TV experience.

“Over the past year, DISH Explorer has become the highest-rated second-screen app for iPad, in part because we continue to make updates our customers want,” said Jimshade Chaudhari, Director of Product Management at DISH, in a press statement. “While DISH Explorer has had native control of Hopper capabilities such as search, record and channel navigation, consumers also want to use the app to turn their TVs on and off and control the volume, and now they can.”

Since its launch, active users of DISH Explorer have grown by 225 percent. The tremendous rise in the app’s use can be attributed to the growing adoption of second screens.

According to a recent Nielsen survey, nearly half of smartphone and tablet owners use a second-screen while watching TV every day.

DISH has also added a new “Picked for Me” section offering personalized program recommendations based on viewing habits.

Recently, TMCnet reported that DISH Network Corporation promoted Mike McClaskey from senior vice president and chief information officer to executive vice president and chief human resources officer.