Hisense has been confirmed as the first smart TV partner for next generation TV service Freely in a five-year deal.
The new service, has also revealed its logo featuring an expressive ‘Freemoji’ character, that will enable UK households to stream live TV channels alongside on demand content for the first time for free via their smart TVs, removing the need for a dish or aerial.
Freely is backed by Everyone TV, owned by public service broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, and the operator of Freesat and Freeview. The new service will deliver live and on demand content from the PSBs and other free-to-air channels all in one place over broadband, for free for the first time.
Amy Rowcliffe, Marketing Director, Everyone TV said: “We are excited to introduce the brand identity for our new TV proposition Freely. The name Freely represents the ability to watch for free but also the freedom to choose how and what you watch. We have a cheeky, modern, and expressive character – which we have dubbed ‘Freemoji’ – that brings the brand to life as the viewer’s welcoming and inquisitive companion. Happy, sad, excited, scared, great free TV has the power to make us feel every emotion and we wanted a character to represent this.”
Hisense, which will have Freely built into its new set of TVs, is the fastest growing smart TV brand in the UK. Freely will power an interactive TV guide on Hisense TVs, giving viewers access to live and on demand content all in one place, with additional features still to be announced.
Arun Bhatoye, Head of Marketing, Hisense UK, said: “This offering enables Hisense customers to enjoy major sports matches and live TV events through Freely, without the need for a TV aerial. Our philosophy revolves around giving our customers more choice and this collaboration remains consistent with that principle.”
According to Omdia, Hisense shipped the second largest volume of TVs in the world during the second quarter of 2023, continuing to bring the immersive big-screen experience to homes in the UK through leading technologies such as Mini-LED.
Hisense will incorporate the new Freely brand across their 2024 TVs, remotes, packaging, and retail environments.
More details around Freely will be announced in 2024, including additional smart TV partners and launch timings.
