Freely, the new free TV service that delivers live TV over broadband in the UK, will officially launch in the second quarter of 2024.
Freely is being launched by Everyone TV and is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Everyone TV revealed it is also working with UKTV to bring the broadcaster’s portfolio of free channels to Freely, via broadband.
The platform will enable UK households to stream live TV channels alongside on-demand content for the first time for free via their smart TVs, removing the need for a dish or aerial.
Its user interface includes new features which bring the free TV experience into the streaming age, said Everyone TV.
For the first time on a free service, viewers will be able to switch between live and on-demand TV from the leading UK broadcasters, and take advantage of features such as pause, restart and access to more episodes, without having to pay.
The UI will also include a MiniGuide, a pop-up interface that appears each time users switch channels, enabling them to easily discover related live or on-demand content.
Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer, joint chief product officers, Everyone TV said: “It’s clear the way people are watching TV is changing, with more audiences switching over to a broadband only connection.
“We’ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences, bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch, with all their favourite shows from the UK’s leading broadcasters all in one place for free. We’re really proud of what we’re launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year.”
