Sky Q has dominated the market for over a decade as one of the top TV devices in the UK. Its extensive recording capabilities have been a key factor in its enduring popularity. However, a potential new competitor may soon enter the scene, offering comparable features without requiring any subscription fees.
Freely, already integrated into many new televisions, allows households to access live and on-demand content without the need for an aerial, utilizing web-based transmission directly to the screen.
Although initially accessible only through purchasing a new TV, Freely is set to expand its reach by introducing a dedicated set-top box that can be connected to existing TVs. Recently, a glimpse of this upcoming Freely set-top box, developed by Humax, was unveiled online by the Cordbusters team.
The Freely box, aside from granting free access to TV channels, enables users to record programs, resembling the functionality of Sky Q. Additionally, it boasts 4K compatibility, promising ultra-high-definition visuals that are four times sharper than standard HD quality.
While the starting price for the Freely box is anticipated to be under £250, making it a relatively costly investment, there are no subsequent fees as all Freely content is entirely free to view once the device is set up.
Although an exact release date for the new Freely boxes remains undisclosed, they are expected to hit stores imminently.
Notably, the previously available online listing for the Freely box has been removed, suggesting a possible premature publication. Any updates or developments will be promptly shared once identified.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV, expressed earlier this year, “Freely was designed to democratize free TV access. Expanding to ‘plug-and-stream’ devices marks a significant and logical progression to ensure more households can enjoy the complete Freely experience without requiring a TV upgrade or paid subscription.”
Despite offering similar functionalities to Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q, Freely falls short in terms of content variety compared to Sky’s extensive offerings. Notably, Freely lacks access to premium sports, movies, or box sets from channels like Sky Atlantic or Sky Max. Moreover, it does not support external services within its platform, such as Netflix.
For access to premium content, users may need to subscribe to one of Sky’s plans, which now start from as low as £15 per month and often include Netflix as part of the package.