Freeview rival is back and it offers a new way to | Tech News

Freeview stays one of the preferred methods to watch TV within the UK, however that may not be the case sooner or later. Freely, which is really owned by the identical crew behind Freeview, is growing in recognition, and it’s not arduous to see why. This TV platform lets properties watch stay and on-demand content material by way of a broadband connection, which implies there’s no need for an aerial or fussy set up. When it launched back in 2024, it was solely accessible to these shopping for a model new TV with the Freely app put in.

However, that not too long ago modified, with properties now in a position to add this platform to any screen by way of a system known as the Pleio puck. This mini set-top box plugs into any telly properties already own and immediately provides Freely.

Along with over 50 free channels to watch, Pleio comes with different bonus options as properly, together with 250 console-quality video games, a free gaming controller and entry to different streaming apps by way of the Google Play Store.

There’s clearly a lot to like in regards to the Pleio puck, however it has had some points. It went on sale by way of Amazon final 12 months and shortly offered out. Since then, it has appeared and then disappeared again due to “supply chain issues”.

Now it seems to be back for good on Amazon, with customers in a position to grab one for £99.

That price even contains 12 months of free entry to these online video games (£9.99 per 30 days as soon as the deal ends). We’ll keep an eye on stock ranges, however on the time of writing, it could be bought.

It solely launched in 2024 however Freely is forecast to turn out to be the UK’s largest TV system platform by 2030.

For these not already conscious, Freely now comes constructed into swathes of new TVs from producers corresponding to Toshiba, Hisense and Panasonic. It’s additionally accessible by way of gadgets such because the Pleio puck.

Instead of beaming content material to screens utilizing an aerial, the whole lot arrives by way of a broadband connection as a substitute. This makes it a lot simpler to DIY set up and offers options corresponding to pausing stay TV and travelling back in time utilizing the backwards TV information.

Freely additionally offers suggestions for issues to watch, plus it guarantees common over-the-air updates and new options – all content material is additionally completely free to watch.

It’s price noting that Sky additionally now offers its Glass TV and Stream box which each use broadband to beam exhibits, motion pictures and sports activities to the screen. Although there is a month-to-month payment to pay, Sky’s merchandise do additionally offer entry to more premium content material together with the most recent movies and Premier League soccer.