Bold New Horizons: Roku TVs Join the Freely Streaming Revolution
Roku TVs now offer free access to an alternative to Sky with over 55 channels and catch-up programming.
Ready to revolutionize your TV viewing experience? Hold onto your remote, because Roku has just announced that their upcoming TV lineup will include the Freely streaming platform—the UK's cutting-edge, free TV streaming service supported by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5, and more.
Here's the deal: Freely streams live channels right over the internet, while offering access to catch-up services for all your on-the-go entertainment needs. And it's not just Roku getting in on the action—manufacturers like Phillips, JVC, Sharp, METZ, and Polaroid are hopping on the Freely bandwagon.
But why does this matter? Well, for one, it's a big step for Roku as they seek to shake things up in a competitive UK market. And two, it paves the way for a future where all our favorite TV broadcasts are beamed straight to our screens via the internet.
"We believe that all TV will be streamed," said Richard Halton, Roku's UK country manager. "We're excited to partner with Freely and deepen our relationships with UK broadcasters. Keep an eye out for our new Roku TV models with Freely built-in, which'll be hitting UK shelves this summer."
If you haven't crossed paths with Freely yet, you'll be hearing a lot more about it soon. The BBC's director-general, Tim Davie, has hinted that Freely might form the basis for a new set-top-box to rival the likes of Sky and Virgin Media. And the execs at TiVo are reportedly cooking up something similar, with Freely slated to appear in a standalone TiVo on-demand device.
The Lowdown on Freely
So, what exactly is this Freely that's shaking things up in the broadcasting world? It's an independent TV service backed by the UK's major broadcasting players. Unlike traditional TV services that rely on aerials for delivery, Freely streams its live channels via broadband.
It also comes with some handy online features. For instance, you can catch up on shows you missed by scrolling back through the electronic program guide. Click on your desired show, and voila! It'll open up in the broadcaster's own streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer or ITVX.
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- In the future, all our favorite TV broadcasts may be streamed directly to our screens, as Roku TVs are set to join manufacturers like Phillips, JVC, Sharp, METZ, and Polaroid in incorporating the Freely streaming platform.
- The upcoming Roku TV lineup will include the Freely platform, marking a significant stride for Roku in the competitive UK market and potentially heralding a time when gadgets like these are powered by technology that delivers TV shows straight over the internet.
