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Streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment consumption, and the U.K. is about to witness the launch of a game-changing platform. Freely, backed by Britain’s public service broadcasters, is all set to deliver live TV over broadband, revolutionizing how we watch television.
The Vision of Freely
Freely is an initiative by Everyone TV, a consortium jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5. Scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2024, this free streaming service will provide viewers with an immersive experience, offering live TV channels and on-demand content through their smart TVs via the internet. Freely aims to build upon the immense popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently present in 16 million homes across the U.K.
Convenient Features and Seamless Viewing
Freely has unveiled the details of its user interface, promising a seamless transition between live and on-demand TV from the U.K. broadcasters. Viewers will be equipped with an array of features, including pause, restart, and access to multiple episodes. Moreover, the placement of Freely TVs within the home becomes hassle-free as they only require a Wi-Fi connection, eliminating the need for a dish or aerial. The service also offers a MiniGuide, a pop-up interface that appears whenever users switch channels, and a convenient Browse option. Additionally, a seven-day TV Guide can be accessed with just a click of the Guide button on the remote.
Collaborations to Enhance the Viewing Experience
To ensure a wide range of content, Freely has partnered with Vestel, the manufacturer responsible for over twenty TV brands. This five-year collaboration will see Freely integrated into their smart TVs, providing users with easy access. Furthermore, Everyone TV is working closely with UKTV to bring their portfolio of free channels, which includes popular networks like Dave, Drama, Yesterday, and W, to the Freely platform.
The Future of Television
Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, joint chief product officers at Everyone TV, express their excitement about the upcoming launch: “It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband-only connection. We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences, bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favorite shows from the U.K.’s leading broadcasters in one place for free. We’re really proud of what we’m launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year.”
Get ready to embrace the future of television with Freely, the ultimate destination for captivating entertainment. Stay tuned!