The U.K.’s premier free video streaming service Freely is looking to bring its platform to millions of new living rooms with the launch of a “simple and affordable” puck-like device that can plug into any TV that has an HDMI port.
With the new device, Freely will become accessible on millions of TVs that currently do not have the official Freely application installed, giving them access to streaming services such as the BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and PBS America.
Freely, in case you’re not yet aware, is a free streaming service that’s developed by a joint venture known as Everyone TV, which is owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The service is aiming to dominate the British video streaming market, providing access to free, live and on-demand content from all of the country’s major broadcasters. To access the service, all you need is a compatible piece of hardware (a TV with Freely built-in or one that has the new puck plugged into it) and an internet connection.
Freely is the streaming-based variant of the older Freeview Play service, which requires consumers to buy a separate set-top box to access on-demand and live content via the traditional airwaves, rather than the web.
Freely launched earlier this year on a number of smart TVs, providing access to more than 40 channels over the web, without any cables or satellite dish needed. It’s available on TVs sold by a wide variety of brands, including Hisense, Panasonic, Philips, TCL, Sharp, Toshiba, Metz and JVC, and also various Amazon Fire and Roku TVs. It’s also expected to launch on TiVo TVs and Google TVs in the near future.
With the launch of the Freely puck, coming soon, consumers will be able to plug in a small device and access the service, regardless of what TV they’re using, the company said.
To make this possible, Freely is partnering with a French company called Netgem to create the necessary hardware. It said the puck will be a “small and modern device”, probably somewhat similar to the Sky Stream puck.
Sky Stream is a small, square-shaped device that connects to TVs via HDMI, providing a Sky Glass TV-like experience on any compatible television. It allows users to stream content from Sky, instead of installing a satellite dish.
The main difference between Freely’s upcoming puck and Sky Stream is that the former is completely free – save from the cost of the Netgem-made device, which has not yet been disclosed but is likely to be pretty cheap.
Freely hasn’t even shown a picture of the device yet, but it said it will provide the same interface as seen on Freely smart TVs. That means users will get access to a TV Guide that provides seven-day forward and backwards functionality, and tools for bookmarking shows you intend to watch.
There’s no word yet on when the Freely puck will launch, but the company promised it’s “coming soon”. Those who want to can register their interest here to receive more information.
“Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone,” said Everyone TV Chief Executive Jonathan Thompson. “Expanding to plug-in and stream devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription.”
