Sky Q has been a dominant force in the UK for over a decade, remaining a popular choice for TV viewers. Its standout feature of extensive content recording has kept users loyal. However, a new competitor may soon emerge, offering similar capabilities without subscription fees.
Freely, integrated into many new televisions, enables households to access live and on-demand content without requiring an aerial, as content is streamed via the internet.
Although initially accessible only through purchasing a new TV, Freely is expanding its reach by introducing a dedicated set-top box that can connect to existing TVs. The first glimpse of this Freely device, developed by Humax, reveals not only free TV access but also the ability to record programs, akin to Sky Q. Additionally, the device is equipped for 4K resolution, promising superior visual quality.
The price for the Freely box may start below £250, making it a relatively expensive investment upfront. Nevertheless, once purchased, users can enjoy all Freely content without incurring any additional charges.
While the exact release date for the new Freely boxes remains undisclosed, they are expected to hit stores soon. Notably, an online listing for the product has been removed, suggesting a possible premature publication. Any updates will be shared as soon as they surface.
According to Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, Freely aims to democratize free TV access, ensuring more households can benefit without needing an upgraded TV or paid subscriptions.
Despite offering features similar to Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q, Freely falls short in terms of content variety compared to Sky’s extensive offerings, lacking access to premium sports, movies, or boxsets from channels like Sky Atlantic or Sky Max. It also does not support external services like Netflix within its platform.
For viewers seeking additional content, subscribing to one of Sky’s plans is necessary, with prices starting as low as £15 per month, often bundled with Netflix access.
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