Sky has a variety of TV streaming options, such as the Glass TV and Stream box, providing access to premium channels and personalized recommendations. However, a new competitor is emerging that could challenge Sky’s dominance.
Freely, a service launched last year, allows UK households to stream live TV for free using new TVs with built-in streaming capabilities. These TVs connect to the internet to access live channels via broadband, eliminating the need for an aerial.
Previously, using Freely 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 made by Netgem. This box will bring Freely’s platform to existing TVs in UK homes, directly competing with Sky’s Stream box.
The upcoming device will provide access to over 40 live channels without requiring an aerial. It will feature a full TV guide, a Mini Guide for immediate viewing options, recommendations for shows, live TV pause functionality, and seven-day forward and backward capabilities for watching past broadcasts.
Freely promises regular updates for evolving features, channels, and content without any subscription fees after purchasing the device. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, highlighted the goal of making free TV accessible to all households without the need for upgrades or subscriptions. Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem U.K., emphasized the innovative streaming device’s ability to enhance the TV viewing experience over Wi-Fi at an affordable price.