A BRAND new free TV gadget that’s been sold out for weeks is finally back in stock – and with even better extra goodies.
Pleio is the first standalone plug-in device to feature Freely, the successor to Freeview which relies on an internet connection instead of an aerial.
You get many of the same channels that can be found on Freeview but don’t need to be near an aerial connection port or worry about signal, as it’s all delivered by Wi-Fi.
It also features all the top features you might expect from a paid service, such as the ability to instantly restart a show and pause.
Pleio went on sale via Amazon on November 21 and quickly sold out within hours.
The only way to get hold of one since then has been via several broadband partners – brsk, Wightfibre, and Connect Fibre – who are offering it as a bundle with their internet service.
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A month after launch and stock on Amazon has been pretty patchy as people seemingly snap them up.
But it looks like Pleio is finally back and this time it’s got an even bigger upgrade.
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The service comes with 150 extra channels as well as a gaming controller and cloud gaming platform.
At first, you only got a three month free trial to use these – after that you would have to pay a subscription if you want to continue accessing them.
Now bosses have decided to extend the period to 12 months.
However, there is an important warning for anyone consider Pleio as a Christmas present.
Amazon states that the product won’t arrive in time for Christmas Day if you order it now.
It’s only available with standard delivery, which is currently estimated to arrive on New Years Eve.
PLEIO – WHAT’S IT LIKE?
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Pleio’s entry into standalone Freely devices is a welcome breath of fresh air and puts great free telly front and centre.
The interface is easy to use and TV channels air without a hitch.
But I fear Netgem may have overloaded things with the gaming element.
It’s an interesting bonus that will attract some people, particularly families, and you’re not forced to subscribe.
Yet Pleio is only sold with a controller, making the price to buy outright £99. Had it not had a controller, would it have a cheaper price tag closer to the Fire Stick perhaps?
And the extra channels are not worth paying for alone.
If you’re a broadband customer of brsk, Wightfibre or Connect Fibre you can get it bundled in which is a more attractive proposition.
Read my full review
Image credit: Netgem
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.
Always do your own research before making any purchase.
