Sky TV to face new rival as Freely finally launches its own streaming box
Freely currently allows UK households to ditch the need for an aerial, but it does require a new TV - however, that is all set to change with the launch of a new set-top box
Freely Sky TV rival
(Image: FREELY)
Sky already provides a plethora of streaming options, including its comprehensive Glass TV and compact Stream box that can be connected to any existing television. With a vast array of premium channels and personalised recommendations, Sky's offerings are hard to rival.
However, a new contender is set to challenge Sky's dominance. Freely, launched last year, currently allows UK households to stream live TV for free on new televisions equipped with this built-in service. Once connected, these screens simply link to the internet, providing access to live channels via broadband instead of an aerial.
It's a straightforward way to access content, but until now, it has necessitated purchasing a new television.
Fortunately, this is about to change, reports the Mirror.
Freely, which is actually managed by the same team behind Freeview, has announced the launch of a new set-top box that will bring its platform to any television already owned by UK households.
This puts it in direct competition with Sky's Stream box.
The device, manufactured by Netgem, will be available later this year, offering full access to over 40 live channels without the need for an aerial.
Freely's box is set to be a game-changer with features like a full TV guide, a Mini Guide for current and upcoming shows, personalised recommendations, the ability to pause live TV, and seven-day rewind capability to catch up on past broadcasts.
Freely also commits to regular, automatic updates to enhance its features, channels, and content continuously.
A key advantage over services like Sky is that after purchasing the Freely device, viewers can enjoy content without any subscription fees.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, commented on the launch: "Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone. Expanding to 'plug-in and stream' devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription."
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem U.K., said: "Netgem is delighted to introduce the first Freely streaming device to the market with Everyone TV.
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"This innovation represents a game-changer for viewers who seek a streamlined TV and entertainment experience delivered over Wi-Fi.
"The integration of Freely with Netgem's entertainment service positions this streaming puck as the optimal choice for all households and breathes a second life to all TV sets at an affordable price."
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