Streaming has revolutionized television viewing, and Sky has heavily invested in this technology, offering popular products like Sky Glass and the Sky Stream box in the UK. These devices provide a simple way to access a wide variety of shows, sports, and movies without the need for installation visits or satellite dishes. While Sky remains a top choice due to its extensive channel lineup and features, there are now other effortless TV viewing options available.
One such alternative is Freely, which allows viewers to watch live and on-demand TV without requiring a traditional aerial setup. The key advantage of Freely over Sky is that it does not mandate a monthly subscription.
Until recently, Freely was only integrated into newer TV models from brands such as Hisense, Panasonic, and Sharp, leaving owners of older sets or different brands like Samsung and LG at a disadvantage. However, this limitation has been overcome with the introduction of a new device called the PLEIO Puck.
Developed by Netgem, the PLEIO Puck is a compact box that grants full access to Freely on any TV. Users simply need to plug it into an HDMI port, connect it to the internet, and they are good to go. The Puck offers over 40 free channels for live and on-demand viewing, along with features like pausing live TV and an interactive guide for browsing content.
In addition to Freely, the Puck supports popular streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, boasts over 200 games, and features full voice control functionality. Priced at £99, the package includes the PLEIO Puck, a voice remote, a gamepad controller, and a three-month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription. Post-trial, the subscription is optional at £9.99 per month.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, expressed pride in launching the PLEIO platform, emphasizing its comprehensive viewing experience that caters to broadband-connected households. The platform aims to simplify entertainment consumption amidst a fragmented market landscape, offering both consumers and operators value and choice.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore highlighted the demand for affordable viewing options, citing escalating subscription costs as a driving factor. He cautioned against the rising trend of fragmented and expensive viewing choices, emphasizing the need for accessible and legal content consumption methods.