Freely is a brand-new smart TV platform dedicated to free, live content delivered over broadband. It will be integrated into new UK smart TVs that are on sale from this year.
If you want to know more about what Freely is about, when it’s launching and how you can get your hands on it, then we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.
When is Freely launching?
Freely officially launched on 30 April 2024.
As the name implies, it will be free to use. It’s like Freeview Play, only you can get it from your internet rather than needing an aerial or satellite dish, making it ideal for broadband-only homes.
TV models will still come with a standard Freeview DTT tuner so users can access standard terrestrial channels – useful for things such as live sports.
If you’re watching BBC content, then you will still need to pay for a TV licence.
What channels does Freely broadcast content from?
Freely is taking inspiration from terrestrial TV with its layout, as it will be airing both live and on-demand content from the following channels:
- BBC
- ITV
- Channel 4
- Channel 5
Further down the line, the streaming platform will also host content from several Freeview channels, including STV, Sky News, Dave, Film 4 and Talk TV.
Therefore, free content that could be available on this platform includes news, competitions, reality shows, dramas, comedies, awards shows, sports and more.
Who owns Freely?
Freely has been created by Everyone TV , a company best known for Freeview and Freesat. Everyone TV is jointly owned by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Freely
Why has Freely been launched?
The idea behind Freely is to allow viewers to continue to have access to free, live content from PSBs in the streaming age.
Freely will allow users to switch between live content and streaming shows. They’ll also be able to pause, restart and find new episodes without having to pay for any additional subscriptions – though users will need a minimum broadband speed of 10 Mbps.
Currently, to watch live content via streaming, most users must access individual apps such as BBC iPlayer and ITV X – which can make finding live content to watch difficult. This will streamline that.
This quote from ITV chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall sums it up well:
“As more and more UK households use internet-connected TVs, it’s critical that the public service broadcaster channels remain available and easy for them to find. This new collaboration enables the UK public to continue to get all of their favourite British TV channels, for free – just as Freeview did at the advent of digital TV.”
What features does Freely have?
Everyone TV has provided examples of the UI for Freely. The MiniGuide is a pop-up interface that will appear every time a user changes the channel, offering playback features and suggestions for both live and on-demand content.
Freely
Remotes on Freely TVs will have a dedicated button to explore live and recorded shows and movies, whilst the TV guide will cover content airing across the next seven days.
If you want to find out more about the features of Freely then you can read our hands-on .
Everyone TV
How to get Freely
Freely is available on new UK TV models starting from now. Everyone TV has confirmed that Hisense and Vestel are two brands signed up for five-year deals to include Freely on upcoming models. These TVs are available from retailers such as Currys, Argos, AO and Very.
Freely will also be available on smart TVs that run on TiVo OS, with the platform integrated into the interface and remote.
The FT claims that it will not be built into older models.
Is Freely replacing Freeview?
Freeview is currently available in 16 million homes, and we’ve heard no plans for it to be phased out. However, this could be the start of TV habits shifting.
If PSBs wish to compete, then having a one-stop-shop for UK TV that does not require an aerial is a step in the right direction.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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