Sky and Freeview might be the most popular telly platforms in the UK, but a relative newcomer is growing quickly. Freely launched last year and is already boasting over 500,000 weekly users, it’s now offering a significant boost by providing more content to watch for free. The broadband-power platform only had around 30 live channels when it first arrived, but that’s about to get a whole lot better.
Everyone TV, which runs Freely and Freeview, says they are working with Hearst Networks, Bloomberg TV+ and others to bring 10 additional streaming channels to the platform next year.
The blockbuster update will include programmes such as news, entertainment, crime and movies. Those new additions mean Freely will soon carry over 70 live channels and all without the need for an aerial. For those not in the know, Freely is somewhat similar to Sky Glass, as it utilises your Wi-Fi to stream live and on-demand content to the big screen.
There’s even the option to pause shows, get recommendations plus find out what’s on now and next via the telly guide.
Users can even go back in time and watch things they might have missed.
Right now, you will need a Freely-powered TV – firms including Panasonic, Hisense and Toshiba make them – but later this year, a dedicated set-top box will also go on sale and bring this platform to all existing screens as well.
That could help to boost its popularity further.
Speaking about the update, Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “This latest round of content partners marks another step forward for Freely as we scale up the platform for viewers and partners alike.
“The research we’re releasing today shows just how much audiences still value British free-to-air television – not just the flagship channels, but the wider family of channels that continue to surprise and entertain us. Freely brings all of that together in one place, for free, and it’s exciting to see the momentum behind it as we look to the year ahead.”
Here is the full line-up of new channels
• BLAZE
• Bloomberg News
• Evidence of Evil
• Bloodline Detectives
• Love After Lock Up
• Talking Pictures TV
• Movie Channel
• Gemporia
• Shopping channel
• Local TV
Local TV Channels (11 variations based on location including London TV, Liverpool TV, Leeds TV, Birmingham TV, Latest TV and KM TV)