The landscape of television is rapidly evolving towards streaming services. Sky has heavily invested in this technology, offering products like Sky Glass and the Sky Stream box, which have gained significant popularity in the UK due to their user-friendly setup that eliminates the need for complex installations. While Sky remains a dominant player with its broad range of channels and features, it is no longer the sole effortless option for TV viewing.
Introducing Freely, a new alternative that allows households to access live and on-demand TV without requiring an aerial or a monthly subscription, giving it a competitive edge over Sky. Until recently, Freely was only integrated into the latest TVs from select brands, excluding owners of older models from brands like Samsung and LG.
The launch of the PLEIO Puck, developed by Netgem, has addressed this limitation by providing a compact solution to bring full Freely access to any TV. Simply connect the Puck to an HDMI port and broadband to enjoy live and on-demand viewing with over 40 free channels. The platform also offers features like pausing live TV, personalized recommendations, and an interactive guide.
In addition to Freely, the Puck includes popular streaming apps such as Disney+ and Netflix, supports over 200 games, and offers 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, providing access to cloud games and extra channels. Subsequently, the subscription is optional at £9.99 per month.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, expressed pride in launching PLEIO as a comprehensive entertainment platform tailored for broadband-connected homes. The platform aims to simplify the viewing experience and offer exceptional value to consumers and operators alike.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore emphasized the overdue need for devices like PLEIO to provide affordable content viewing options amidst rising subscription costs. He cautioned that escalating subscription fees, driven in part by increased sports rights costs, are steering viewers towards fragmented and illicit streaming alternatives.
