Latest news with #JonathanThompson
Wales Online
03-08-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Sky TV to face new rival as Freely finally launches its own streaming box
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. Article continues below "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."
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sky is getting another new UK rival that will stream content to your TV for free
Sky is facing new competition from Freely, with the streaming platform confirming the launch of a new set-top box. Sky already offers numerous ways to stream TV, including its all-in-one Glass TV and diddy Stream box which plugs into any television you happen to already own. With access to swathes of premium channels along with personalised recommendations, Sky's products are tough to beat. However, something new is on its way that could give Sky a serious run for its money. Freely, which launched last year, currently offers UK homes the option to stream live TV for free via new TVs that have this service built in. Once plugged in, these screens simply connect to the internet and offer access to live channels via broadband rather than using an aerial. It's a simple way to tune into content but, until now, it has meant buying a new telly. Luckily, that's about to change Freely, which is actually owned by the same team behind Freeview, has announced it's launching a new set-top box that will bring its platform to any tellies UK homes already own. That will put it in direct competition with Sky's Stream box. The device, which is being made by Netgem, will go on sale later this year and offer full access to over 40 live channels without needing an aerial. Freely's box will also come packed with features including a full TV guide and a Mini Guide which instantly shows what's on now and next. There's also recommendations for things to watch, you'll be able to pause live television and it will offer seven-day forward and backward functionality. That means you can go back in time and watch things that have already been broadcast. Freely is also promising regular, automatic updates for constantly evolving features, channels and content. Of course, unlike Sky, once the device has been purchased, everything is then free to watch meaning no subscription fees need to be paid. Speaking about the update, Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: '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." And Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem U.K., added: 'Netgem is delighted to introduce the first Freely streaming device to the market with Everyone TV. 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.'
Stuff.tv
01-08-2025
- Business
- Stuff.tv
Freely's new streaming puck will bring free live and on demand TV to your home
Freely – the UK streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – is expanding beyond smart TVs and into plug-in devices. From later this year, you'll be able to get the full Freely experience on any television with an HDMI port, thanks to a compact streaming puck built by Netgem. The move is a big step for Everyone TV, the organisation behind Freely, and one that makes sense. Since launching on smart TVs in 2024, Freely has promised an easy way to watch live and on-demand TV from the UK's biggest broadcasters, subscription-free. Now, with this 'plug-in and stream' device, it's opening the door to millions more households who don't want – or need – to upgrade their TV to get involved. The Netgem-built puck will support more than 40 live channels and a vast on-demand library that pulls content from BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5, PBS America and more. The interface will be the same as on Freely-compatible TVs, complete with a Mini-Guide, seven-day programme guide, 'My List' for saving your favourite shows, and the ability to pause and restart live TV. It runs over Wi-Fi and doesn't need an aerial or satellite dish – just plug in and you're ready to watch (similar to Sky Stream). Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, called it 'an important and natural next step' to make Freely accessible without a full TV upgrade or monthly cost. Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, said the puck 'breathes new life into existing TVs' and praised the simplicity of a fully integrated, Wi-Fi-powered setup. It's the latest move in a rapid rollout for Freely, which has already been confirmed for Roku Smart TVs and has partnerships with major brands including Hisense, Philips, JVC, TCL and Amazon Fire TV. The plug-in launch promises even more flexibility – and more homes reached – as Freely looks to cement itself as the home of free TV in the streaming age. Pricing and availability will be confirmed soon, but you can already pre-register interest via Freely. Liked this? Roku is rolling out a free upgrade to make movie nights easier
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Freeview successor finally launches Fire TV Stick rival with bonus exclusive free channels not found on Sky
FREEVIEW'S successor Freely will finally be made available as a Fire Stick-like dongle to plug into TVs with a mass of free channels. Telly lovers have been begging for the technology to be packed into a plug-in gadget instead of having to buy a brand new TV. Advertisement 2 Soon you'll be able to plug in and play Freely instead of buying a whole new TV Credit: Freely 2 The new device will serve as a new rival to the mighty Fire TV Stick Credit: Getty Freely, which launched last year, has only been available built into brand new TVs so far. The advantages over the existing Freeview service is you don't need an aerial to view some of the channels. Instead, you can use broadband and Wi-Fi to beam live channels into your house. Freely is run by Freeview's owner Everyone TV, which itself is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5. Advertisement Read more about FIre Sticks BBC Director-General Tim Davie hinted that the technology could be turned into a "We are considering a streaming media device," Freely's first "plug-in and stream" gadget will launch later this year, Everyone TV said. TV platform maker Netgem is the first company signed up to produce a Freely-powered gadget. Advertisement Most read in Tech The exact price hasn't been shared yet but bosses said it'll be "affordable". "Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone," said Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV. RECENT CHANNEL ADDITIONS ON FREELY The Chase Saturday Night Every Night 4Reality 4Homes 4Life 5 GPs Behind Closed Doors 5 Bargain 5 The Yorkshire Vet 5 History 5 Crime Milkshake! 5 Police Interceptors 5 Cops 5 Trucking Hell 5 A&E 5 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Image credit: Everyone TV "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. "In partnership with Netgem, we're launching streaming devices to make it easier than ever for UK audiences to enjoy the nation's favourite TV, for free, on the TV you already have." Advertisement There are more than 40 live channels that can be streamed via Freely at the moment. But the firm has promised more new and exclusive channels will launch this year. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE WE REPLACE FREEVIEW Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun DTT - digital terrestrial television - is the system used for Freeview broadcasts today. About 18million homes still use it as their main way of watching TV. Before we even begin to think about switching it off, we have to make sure no one is left behind. So any internet-based alternative - Freely or otherwise - needs to be just as easy to install and use. Then there's the matter of broadband. The UK needs to have reliable broadband everywhere so everyone has access. Emphasis on reliable - no one wants buffering mid-way through a live football match. So not only will broadband need to be pretty much everywhere it will need to be fast enough to handle demand all the time.
Metro
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Completely free streaming service rivalling Sky now available on more TVs
A streaming app that's been touted as a rival to Sky Glass will soon be available on more smart TVs. First launched in April last year, Freely is a relatively new free streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, and gives users the ability to stream live and on-demand TV all in one place, without paying a subscription fee. It's similar to Sky Glass, which also lets viewers tune into hundreds of live and on-demand channels via a broadband connection, rather than an aerial. Viewers can pause and rewind live TV with the app too. While Sky Glass TV owners have to pay a minimum of £26 per month for content, Freely is, as the name suggests, completely free. Sky Glass does offer premium features that viewers won't find on Freely, however, such as personalisation for each member of the family, as well as the ability to 'bookmark' favourite shows. But now it's been announced that TVs powered by technology company Roku will have Freely installed, which includes models from brands including JVC, Logik, Sharp, METZ and Polaroid. Meanwhile, Hisense, Bush, Panasonic and Toshiba already sell TVs with the Freely app. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, said of the news: 'Offering freely on the Roku operating system is a major milestone for us, as we continue to expand reach for the free streaming platform. 'We're delighted that as a huge global player, Roku has recognised the importance of easy and seamless access to public service broadcast content for UK audiences and I look forward to seeing Freely smart TVs with Roku in market this summer.' Freely replicates the terrestrial TV experience of browsing through a programme guide, meaning viewers can enjoy offerings from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Film4, 5USA, U, Dave and many more. This includes classic favourites such as Race Across the World, Downton Abbey, Derry Girls and Gogglebox. Meanwhile, popular new shows that have landed recently include Death Valley, a cosy crime drama starring Timothy Spall, season two of BBC hit drama The Gold and The Secrets She Keeps, a gripping Australian thriller now available via Channel 4. Earlier this year, Freely announced the launch of 16 new channels, including three Channel 4 channels that viewers 'won't find anywhere else'. 4Reality will feature reality TV gold like Married at First Sight, while 4Homes will offer dream homes, renovations and design inspiration with shows like Grand Designs. The channel 4Life will bring travel, food and animals to screens with shows like The Dog House. There are 11 new Channel 5 live channels that were also added, including Police Interceptors, 5 Cops and Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. More Trending Six of these are exclusive to Freely and My5, including The Yorkshire Vet, GPs Behind Closed Doors and Milkshake. Freely has also recently launched two ITV channels called The Chase and Saturday Night Every Night, which are also available on ITVX. Akhila Khanna, ITV Director of Distribution, said at the time: 'At ITV we're proud to be part of Freely and making these channels available to the Freely TV Guide reinforces our commitment to delivering fantastic, free content through this innovative platform and showcases our continued collaboration with other leading UK broadcasters.' View More » A version of this article was published on April 16, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Michelle Keegan lines up eye-watering 'six-figure deal' in first job since having baby MORE: Sky's most affordable 4K TV yet launches – with no dish, box, and just £6 a month MORE: 13 of the best and most blood-curdling shark movies streaming right now
