The future of television is undoubtedly in streaming services, with Sky investing heavily in cutting-edge technology such as Sky Glass and the Sky Stream box, which have gained significant popularity in the UK due to their user-friendly setup requiring only a Wi-Fi connection for access to a wide range of shows, sports, and movies. While Sky remains a dominant player with its extensive channel lineup and features, there are now alternative ways to watch TV effortlessly.
One such option is Freely, a new service that allows households to enjoy live and on-demand TV without the need for an aerial, and the standout feature is its no monthly subscription requirement.
Previously, Freely was limited to newer TVs from brands like Hisense, Panasonic, and Sharp, leaving owners of older sets or models from Samsung and LG out of the loop. However, the introduction of the PLEIO Puck, a compact device developed by Netgem, has changed the game by providing full Freely access to any TV through a simple setup process via an HDMI port and broadband connection.
Once installed, the PLEIO Puck offers over 40 free channels for live and on-demand viewing on the Freely platform, along with features like pausing live TV, personalized recommendations, and an interactive guide for easy content navigation.
In addition to Freely, the Puck supports popular streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, boasts compatibility with over 200 games, and offers convenient voice control functionality.
Priced at £99, the PLEIO Puck package includes the device itself, a voice remote, a gamepad controller, and a three-month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription, providing access to 250+ cloud games and 150+ extra channels. Subsequently, the subscription is available for an optional fee of £9.99 per month.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, expressed enthusiasm about the launch of PLEIO, highlighting its comprehensive viewing experience tailored for broadband-connected households and its potential to simplify entertainment choices for consumers while offering value for operators.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore emphasized the timeliness of a device like PLEIO, noting the growing demand for affordable content consumption options among viewers. He cautioned against the escalating costs of subscriptions, partly driven by expensive sports broadcasting rights, which are steering viewers towards complex and potentially illegal streaming methods.
