As we boldly step into the streaming age, a new free streaming service feathers its nest in the United Kingdom, promising to revolutionize the TV experience. The service, called Freely, is backed by British broadcasting giants including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Paramount Global’s Channel 5. Expected to debut in the second quarter of 2024 with an array of viewer-centric features, Freely is setting the stage for the future of live TV in the streaming age.
Everyone TV Announces New Streaming Service
Previously known as Digital U.K., Everyone TV — an initiative by leading British broadcasters to drive the evolution of free TV in the UK — broke the news on Monday. They provided the first glimpse into Freely’s user-friendly interface and innovative features, promising a seamless and advanced viewing experience.
Revolutionizing The Streaming Experience
According to Everyone TV’s assertion, the new service is aimed to “[futureproof] live TV for the streaming age.” A study by TV analysis firm 3 Reasons suggests that by 2030, the majority of U.K. households will switch to watching TV exclusively via broadband. Spotting this trend, Freely intends to marry live and on-demand content in one place, free of charge, making TV more relatable and accessible for viewers across all age brackets.
Collaboration with BBC Studios
Freely is teaming up with BBC Studios’ UKTV to boost its content profile with the addition of free channels like Dave, Drama, Yesterday and W. This partnership promises to bring a greater variety of content to viewers, free of cost.
Seamlessly Integrated Features
Freely is designed to bring a traditional free TV experience to the modern streaming landscape. For the first time on a free platform, users will be able to switch flawlessly between live and on-demand TV from the leading UK broadcasters. User-friendly features include the option to pause, restart, and access to more episodes, without having to pay a dime.
Innovative Interface and Features
The streaming service comes with a MiniGuide, a pop-up interface that provides a simplified and smooth browsing experience every time a viewer switches channels. Furthermore, the Browse feature allows users to check out recommended live and on-demand programming. The TV Guide offers a seven-day programming guide, ensuring viewers are always up-to-date.
Designed Around British Audiences
Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, joint chief product officers at Everyone TV, acknowledge the changing TV viewing habits and affirm that Freely has been built keeping the needs of British audiences in mind. It gives viewers the freedom to choose what they want to watch and when, bundling all their favorite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters into a single, free platform.
Wrapping Up
As we move forward in the digital age, television viewing is also evolving. New ventures like Freely are addressing the changes and attempting to make streaming an even more convenient and engaging experience. To keep up with the latest developments on this and other entertainment topics, stay tuned to HitPlay.
