**Sky Faces Fresh Competition as Freely Unveils New Streaming Device**
Sky, the long-standing giant of British television, could soon face significant new competition as Freely, the streaming platform already making waves in the market, has announced the launch of its own set-top streaming box. This move, expected to reshape how UK households access live television, was confirmed earlier today and marks a pivotal shift in the country’s entertainment landscape.
For years, Sky has been a dominant force, providing consumers with a host of viewing options including the immersive Sky Glass smart TV and the convenient Sky Stream box, which plugs directly into nearly any modern television. Their offerings combine premium channels, bespoke recommendations, and advanced features that have made them a household name. However, the emergence of new competitors highlights the industry’s rapid transformation as more families opt for streaming over traditional broadcast models.
Freely entered the market last year with the promise of accessible, subscription-free live television. Initially, the service was limited to newly manufactured TVs that arrived with Freely’s technology built in. This requirement of purchasing a new television may have deterred potential subscribers who were otherwise keen to move away from aerial-based reception and embrace internet-based viewing.
That’s now about to change. Freely’s management team, who also operates Freeview, has confirmed that later this year they will release a dedicated set-top box, manufactured by European hardware firm Netgem. This device will allow users to equip any existing television set with Freely’s platform, without the need for a costly new TV. It’s a move that brings Freely into direct competition with established streaming devices, notably Sky’s own Stream product.
The forthcoming Freely box will offer access to over 40 free-to-air live channels, all delivered through a broadband connection rather than an aerial. Among its anticipated features are a comprehensive TV guide, a streamlined Mini Guide for browsing what’s on or up next, customised viewing suggestions, the capacity to pause live programming, and a seven-day rewind tool for catching up with missed broadcasts.
Another notable aspect is the box’s commitment to continuous improvement. Freely says it will roll out automatic updates at no extra charge, ensuring that the hardware remains current, and rich with the latest features and channels. This approach of ongoing support is particularly appealing to tech-savvy viewers eager to keep up with the rapidly evolving streaming landscape.
One crucial selling point for Freely is its lack of recurring fees. After the initial purchase price of the box, users can enjoy the full suite of live programming with no monthly subscriptions – a direct challenge to Sky’s model, which typically requires ongoing payments for premium access. This could prove particularly attractive to cash-conscious consumers seeking to cut costs without sacrificing variety.
Speaking about the launch, Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, remarked, “Freely was created to make free TV work for everyone. Expanding to ‘plug-in and stream’ devices is an important and natural next step to ensure even more homes can enjoy the full Freely experience without the need for a TV upgrade or paid subscription.”
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, echoed these sentiments and described the new device as a ‘game-changer’. He explained, “The integration of Freely with Netgem’s service positions this streaming puck as the optimal choice for all households and breathes a second life into existing TV sets at an affordable price.”
With the streaming sector in the UK set to become even more crowded and competitive, Freely’s new device could shift the balance for many households looking to rethink their television viewing options. As the launch approaches, all eyes will be on how both new and existing providers respond to an increasingly dynamic entertainment market.