Sky has been a leader in offering various ways to stream TV, such as its Glass TV and Stream box. These products provide access to a wide range of premium channels and personalized recommendations, making them highly competitive. However, a new player is entering the scene that could give Sky a run for its money.
Freely, a service launched last year, allows UK households to stream live TV for free through new TVs equipped with this feature. By connecting to the internet, these TVs offer live channels via broadband without the need for an aerial.
Previously, accessing this content required purchasing a new TV, but that is about to change. Freely, owned by the team behind Freeview, is introducing a new set-top box that will make its platform available on any existing TVs in UK homes, directly competing with Sky’s Stream box.
Manufactured by Netgem, the device will be available for purchase later this year, providing access to over 40 live channels without requiring an aerial. The Freely box will offer a range of features, including a full TV guide, a Mini Guide displaying current and upcoming programs, recommendations for viewing options, the ability to pause live TV, and a seven-day backward and forward function for accessing past broadcasts.
Freely also promises regular automatic updates to enhance features, channels, and content over time. Unlike Sky, once the device is bought, all content is free to watch, eliminating the need for subscription fees.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed the importance of making free TV accessible to all, while Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem U.K., highlighted the innovative nature of the Freely streaming device in providing a seamless TV and entertainment experience over Wi-Fi at an affordable price.