THE first standalone Freely “box” has launched with access to hundreds of channels and on-demand content for nothing – and without needing a brand new telly.
Freeview successor Freely does away with an aerial, relying on an internet connection instead.
The service also comes as a free rival to Sky‘s own internet-enabled TV alternatives, Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
Until now, Freely has only been available built into new TVs that hit the market in April 2024.
But from today that all changes.
Those who want to keep their existing telly can finally buy a plug-in Freely device, called Pleio.
SWITCH OFF
Freeview is shutting down two popular channels on millions of TVs before Xmas
SIGNAL LOST
Millions lose access to popular Freeview and Sky movies channel after 11 YEARS
It’s actually a puck rather than a box, much like an Amazon Fire Stick.
But unlike the Fire Stick it has many more mainstream channels accessible in a traditional TV guide format, alongside a whole bunch of on-demand shows and movies to stream instantly.
You can pause live channels and even start programmes from the beginning at the click of a button.
People who want to pay for the premium streaming apps, like Netflix and NOW, can watch those via the puck too.
And as an added bonus, the pack comes with its very own game controller for cloud gaming of more than 250 titles.
But you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription to access them, along with the 150 extra channels not available through Freely.
You get access to the lot for free for the first three months.
After this, it’s £9.99 if you wish to continue.
“After a decade of collaboration with national broadcasters and operators, we recognised the need for a simple, all-in-one platform and are proud to launch in the UK, as a first step of our product strategy,” said Sylvain Thevenot, managing director of Netgem UK, the company behind Pleio.
“We built PLEIO as the answer to the fragmentation of the entertainment market.
“PLEIO delivers a truly comprehensive viewing experience – Watch, Stream, and Play – that is ready for any Fibre broadband-connected home today.
“It represents a new approach for consumers and an unparalleled opportunity for operators to deliver both choice and exceptional value.”
kell no
Jack Osbourne’s furious sister rips into ‘bully’ Kelly Brook after I’m A Celeb row
MUM PAIN
I was arrested in front of daughter for WhatsApp message, £20k won’t erase trauma
The Pleio device retails for £99 and can be purchased from Amazon.
Customers of WightFibre, Connect Fibre, BRSK can also get hold of one.
Get more quality TV for free
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor
If you’re tired of paying out on several streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ then there are a growing number of free alternatives around.
While many of these alternatives have been filled with obscure content, more big names like Sky have got on board in recent years offering some quality stuff, which is largely archive but still entertaining.
As well as UKTV, Sony and 5 are among the other players getting involved.
If you haven’t already, give Pluto TV a go, it’s available on pretty much all devices.
On there you’ll find channels from MTV, with Catfish and Geordie Shore.
Some of the classics are real gems too – I found myself watching long-forgotten episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch the other day.
