Latest news with #Freely
Metro
5 days ago
- 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
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sky faces another new rival that will offer UK homes a free way to watch TV
Sky is facing stiff competition from the new Freely TV service and now there are even more screens that feature this streaming service. If you want to watch TV without needing an aerial or dish stuck to your chimney then you won't find a much better option than Sky Glass. This premium telly platform, which also now includes a cheaper Glass Air telly, lets homes tune into hundreds of live and on-demand channels via a broadband connection. It's a tough TV to beat but it is being rivalled by Freely. This service launched last year and also offers an instant way to watch TV shows without an aerial. Since it was first unveiled, the list of telly manufacturers making Freely-powered screens has been increasing and now there's even more good news for those considering switching to it. It's just been announced that smart TVs powered by the Roku operating system will soon get Freely pre-installed. That means UK homes wanting to access the streaming platform will be able to choose Roku-powered models made by Sharp, JVC, METZ and Polaroid. This new partnership will bring Freely together with the Roku experience and offer advanced features including personalised content and discovery tools. Speaking about the changes, Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: '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.' Does Freely fully match the Sky Glass experience? Freely does offer a comprehensive TV guide, recommendations and even a new backwards telly feature which lets you go back in time to find things to watch. It's fully powered by your broadband and even offers the ability to pause live TV. Once the compatible TV has been purchased, there are no monthly fees to pay, so you can watch shows, sports and movies without reaching for the credit card. READ MORE: Your iPhone will get a stunning new look and most useful free upgrade in years It's a decent way to watch the telly, but Freely can't match Sky when it comes to channels and overall features. Sky Glass offers instant access to premium channels, and there is also better integration with streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+. The firm's clever Playlists function also lets you store shows and movies to watch at a later date. One final thing to note is that Sky has worked hard on reducing the latency when watching live sport - that's something Freely can't currently match.
Stuff.tv
12-06-2025
- Business
- Stuff.tv
Hisense will give you a free 40in QLED TV – here's how it works
Hisense is giving away a free TV. No, seriously. A new top TV can easily run you into four figures, especially if you're set on getting one with a QLED panel. That means any opportunity to save some cash on one isn't to be missed. So this gigantic saving on a top-rated smart TV with Freely built-in is definitely worth your attention. Right now, if you buy one of Hisense's latest TVs, Laser Cinemas, or even American-style fridge freezers, you'll get a free 40in QLED Smart TV thrown in. To get your freebie, buy a qualifying product between 4 June and 15 July from a participating UK retailer, like Amazon, Currys, and plenty more. Then, submit your claim to Hisense online from 15 August to 11 September. Hisense will then deliver your shiny new telly within 45 days. The telly in question comes with Quantum Dot Colour, Dolby Atmos, and Freely built-in. That gives you access to over 60 live and on-demand channels without handing over a single penny in subscription fees. It's the perfect sidekick screen for the bedroom, kitchen, or, let's be honest, your backup gaming nook. The eligible line-up is pretty flexible. It includes the flagship U7Q Pro and E7Q Pro TVs to Hisense's ultra-bright Laser Cinema projectors. Even its American-style fridge freezers are in on the deal. This offer's open to mainland UK residents only, and you'll find the full list of qualifying products on Hisense's promotions page. You've got until 15 July to make your move – and that free 40in QLED won't claim itself.
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New free streaming platform launching with TV favourites from BBC, ITV and Channel 4
Everyone TV, the company behind free streaming platform Freely, has announced a major deal with global streaming company Roku. A new free telly channel is set to debut, featuring favourites from broadcasters such as BBC, ITV and Channel 4. Everyone TV, the group behind the free streaming platform Freely, has announced a significant agreement with global streaming giant Roku. In a massive leap for Freely's growth, the free streaming service will be accessible on the next generation of smart tellies powered by Roku's operating system. Supported by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, Freely includes all their live channels and players. It also provides content offerings from GB News, U&Dave, and PBS America, reports the Express. As if that wasn't enough, a launch later this year will see 16 new streamed channels showcasing programmes from UK public service broadcasters including The Chase, GPs Behind Closed Doors, Police Interceptors, The Yorkshire Vet, Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly and more. Currently, Roku holds the top spot for telly streaming platforms in the US, Canada and Mexico, and has reached over 90 million households globally. After launching in the UK in 2012, Roku TV models and streaming players have become available at all major retailers online and across the country. Freely launched in April this year, and has given viewers the chance to binge more on demand content than any streaming service in the UK, with access to 97% of the nation's favourite shows. Everyone TV's CEO, Jonathan Thompson, stated: "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." Roku's UK Country Manager, Richard Halton, added: "Roku believes that all TV will be streamed. We are excited to partner with Freely and continue our collaboration with UK broadcasters. Together we will bring the best content discovery experience to viewers across the UK. "We look forward to unveiling our new Roku TV models with Freely built-in, which will be available from UK retailers this summer." This month, Roku TV models with Freely will be available, starting with Sharp, Polaroid, and METZ.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Freeview successor is coming to Roku TVs with premium perks to rival Sky
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FREEVIEW'S successor will appear on even more screens after landing a deal with one of the world's biggest TV brands. Freely, made from the same company as Freeview, is encouraging viewers away from the humble TV aerial to using Wi-Fi instead. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Now Roku TVs will come with Freely on them Credit: Freely This means you don't need to worry about pesky signal issues - nor having to place your telly near the aerial port in the wall. For the moment, the service is hybrid so it can take Freeview channels the traditional way as well as via broadband. Just recently, more than a dozen channels you can't get with an aerial were added. This includes a channel for game show favourite The Chase, all Channel 4's best property shows on 4Homes, plus 5 Cops for all ofmi 5's real crime hits. Freely - which is run by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5's Everyone TV - has been adding a number of device partners since bursting onto the scene over a year ago. Fire TV was a big newcomer but now Roku is getting on board too. Freely will be available on the next generation of smart TVs powered by the Roku operating system. Roku can be found on a number of major TV models, such as Sharp, Polaroid, and METZ. "Offering Freely on the Roku operating system is a major milestone for us, as we continue to expand reach for the free streaming platform," said Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV. Just last month, Freely announced some new features to rival premium services like Sky's own streamed TV alternative Sky Glass. A new backward TV guide was introduced, allowing people to scroll back on the screen and instantly see what's been on recently, with a quick link directly to a catch up stream if one is available. You can scroll back a full seven days. A Never Miss feature was also added, which highlight programmes coming up, on now, and those you just missed, alongside the biggest and best shows available on demand. And My List will let you save up to 50 of your favourite shows from the UK's biggest free-to-air broadcasters all in one place so you can keep track of them. 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 FREELY ON A STICK? So far, Freely has only been made available on new smart TVs for sale. But BBC boss Tim Davie recently hinted that a Fire Stick-like device with Freely on it could come in the future. 'We have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world,' he said during a speech at Salford's Lowry Theatre. 'We want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. 'And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.' 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.
