The streaming service that will ultimately replace Freeview and Freesat will launch ahead of this summer’s big sports events with brand new features and an additional launch partner.
- Vestel joins Hisense as launch partner, meaning Freely will be available across a range of budget and premium devices.
- UKTV (owned by BBC Studios) to make its channels available via streaming
- New User Interface (UI) gives a glimpse of what the service will look like for early adopters.
- But there’s an admission that in the early days of Freely, there will be differences in what you get depending on if you’re using Wi-Fi, dish or aerial.
Everyone TV – the organisation leading the evolution of free TV in the UK – has this morning confirmed its new streaming service Freely will launch during the second quarter (Apr-Jun) 2024. This means the first Freely devices will be available ahead of this summer’s season of sport, which includes Euro 2024 and the Olympics.
Everyone TV, which was formerly known as Digital UK, is the platform operator backed by the main UK free-to-air channels. It already operates Freeview and Freesat.
To coincide with the unveiling of further details about the platform, it’s commissioned research that says that the number of broadband-only TV households will become the majority by 2030, up from just over 15% of homes in 2023.
As viewers replace existing Freeview and Freesat devices, Freely will allow them to continue to using aerial and dish alongside IP streaming, or they can unplug the aerial/dish and go IP-only.
How you receive TV will determine what you get
In the beginning, going IP-only will result in differences in channel line-up and services available. However, it’s been confirmed that Everyone TV is working with the BBC Studios-owned UKTV (Dave, Drama, Yesterday and W) to make the channel portfolio available via streaming. That should avoid the situation currently encountered by EE TV users, where anyone opting for streaming/IP-only TV loses access to the channels.
The BBC’s main public service channels will automatically default to streaming on Freely devices, falling back to digital terrestrial (DTT) or satellite only if there’s a problem with the internet connection.
For broadcasters only available via terrestrial and satellite, these channels will continue to be available where an aerial or dish is plugged into the TV.
In time, and as viewing via broadband-only reaches a critical level, remaining broadcasters will have the choice to close terrestrial and satellite outlets. Freely receivers will automatically switch users to the IP-stream of the channel instead.
Homes connected via IP only and those using a hybrid IP and DTT connection may experience varying channel offerings as Freely continues to develop.
Everyone TV statement, 5th February 2024
The new interface
Everyone TV has also offered a first glimpse at the user-interface and features of Freely, including world first innovations for free TV.
For the first time on a free service, viewers will be able to switch seamlessly between live and on demand TV from the leading UK broadcasters, and take advantage of features such as pause, restart and access to more episodes, without having to pay.
That’s a major gripe with the current main broadband-only TV rival, Sky Glass/Sky Stream, which charges customers for certain basic functionalities. But Freely is not expected to allow ad-skipping, given its backed by the UK’s biggest commercial broadcasters.
Key Freely features revealed today include:
- MiniGuide – A new feature for the free TV experience, this pop-up interface appears each time users switch channels, creating a seamless browsing experience and enabling viewers to easily discover related live or on demand content. Audiences can also take advantage of features such as restart, pause and access to more episodes from live TV.
- Browse – Viewers will be able to press the Freely button on their remote to explore recommended live and on demand programming from Britain’s leading broadcasters and free-to air channels, all in one place.
- TV Guide – Bringing simplicity and familiarity, this 7-day guide provides relevant information and is easily recognisable thanks to its consistency across all Freely TVs and one-touch access via the ‘Guide’ button on the remote. Audiences can also discover more episodes and on demand content linked to the live TV shows they are enjoying, all via the TV Guide.
▶ See more: Freely Interface: In pictures first glimpse of what the new service will look like
Vestel joins in
Last year, Hisense was announced as the first Freely device partner.
Now millions more TVs are due to get Freely with Vestel – the company behind numerous TV brands sold at places like Argos and Currys – including Bush, Hitachi and JVC, joining in.
The five year deal will see Freely incorporated into its new set of smart TVs.
Freely will be running the native guide on Vestel TVs, giving users the best viewing experience possible.
Corporate comment
Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, Joint Chief Product Officers, Everyone TV said:
“It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband only connection. We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences, bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favourite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters all in one place for free. We’re really proud of what we’re launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year.”
Atinc Ogut, Vice President of TV Product Management, Vestel said:
“We are thrilled to announce our further partnership and commitment to the latest innovation in television technology, by offering customers TVs that are compatible with Freely. Freely offers a seamless and intuitive user interface that aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the way people experience television. The collaboration not only enhances the functionality of our TVs but also empowers users to freely stream their favourite shows, live and on demand, all from a single, unified platform. As one of the TV manufactures now compatible with Freely, we’re proud to be setting the standard for the future of television.”
Marc Thornham