The PSB backers of the new Freely streaming platform have released the first images of the service.
Freely is part of Everyone TV, which already runs Freeview and Freesat, and is backed by BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It will launch in Q2 2024.
The organisation has also released new research indicating more than half of UK homes will watch TV exclusively over broadband by 2030. Freely intends to bring live and on demand PSB content together in a single location.
The UI includes new features which bring the free TV experience into the streaming age. 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 charge. Some such features are already available through the BBC iPlayer and within the FTA version of YouView, as well as Freeview+.
Among the features are:
- MiniGuide, a pop-up interface thar 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 the UK’s leading broadcasters and free-to-air channels.
- 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.
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.”
Vestel, the manufacturer behind more than 20 TV brands, has been announced as an additional smart TV partner to offer Freely, in a five-year deal.
Everyone TV is also working with UKTV to bring the broadcaster’s portfolio of free channels to Freely, via broadband. Owned by BBC Studios, UKTV’s portfolio includes Dave, Drama, Yesterday and W.
