Freely, the free streaming platform backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5, is to launch its own plug-in streaming device later this year.
French entertainment technology company Netgem is confirmed as Freely’s first ‘plug-in and stream’ device partner, enabling Freely to run on televisions that do not have the platform built-in, via a plug-in puck.
The move was announced by Freely parent organisation Everyone TV.
Freely launched on new smart TVs in April last year, but the move to streaming devices will make it accessible to even more UK households, enabling them to stream live channels all in one place, for free. The puck will also provide access to Netgem’s Cloud Gaming service.
Freely recently agreed an integration deal with Roku Smart TVs, and also has a line-up of TV manufacturing and OS partners including Hisense, Bush, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, Philips, JVC, TCL, Amazon Fire TV, METZ, VIDAA, TiVo and Titan, as well as feature updates announced earlier this year.
Freely
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “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. In partnership with Netgem, we’re launching streaming devices to make it easier than ever for UK audiences to enjoy the nation’s favourite TV, for free, on the TV you already have.”
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, said: “This innovation represents a game-changer for viewers who seek a streamlined TV and entertainment experience delivered over Wi-Fi. The integration of Freely with Netgem’s entertainment service positions this streaming puck as the optimal choice for all households and breathes a second life to all TV sets at an affordable price.”
Enghouse Networks partners with INVIDI
Telecoms and media specialist Enghouse Networks and addressable TV advertising provider INVIDI Technologies have announced a new integration that reportedly expands advanced advertising capabilities across IP video environments.
Sports content races ahead in SVOD – Gracenote
Analysis by Gracenote, the content intelligence business unit of Nielsen, has shown that sports have quickly become a foundational part of the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) content mix and now make up 5% of overall programming on leading services.
Bitmovin wins MUBI deal
Video streaming software specialist Bitmovin has been selected by film company MUBI as its cloud VOD encoding partner for its streaming platform.
Subtitles usage booms in UK, but many ads still need sound – report
Research from advertising platform XR Extreme Reach has found that subtitles have become mainstream viewing behaviour across streaming, social, and broadcast content in the UK, particularly among younger audiences.
Telefónica and Sony test ultra-fast 5G at Movistar Arena
Telefónica and Sony have carried out a 5G connectivity trial at Madrid’s Movistar Arena, achieving speeds of several gigabits per second by using the 26 GHz band, also known as the millimetre band or mmWave.
.jpg)
