As new research reveals that more than half of UK homes will watch TV exclusively over broadband by 2030 , the new service is designed to futureproof live TV for the streaming age . Freely will bring live and on demand content together all in one place for free , ensuring that TV remains relevant and accessible to audiences of all ages .

The UI includes new features which bring the free TV experience into the streaming age . For the first time on a free service , viewers will be able to switch seamlessly between live and on demand TV from the leading UK broadcasters , and take advantage of features such as pause , restart and access to more episodes , without having to pay . Freely TVs can also be placed anywhere in the home where there is a Wi-Fi connection , removing the need for a dish or aerial . Key Freely features include :

• MiniGuide – A new feature for the free TV experience , this pop-up interface appears each time users switch channels , creating a seamless browsing experience and enabling viewers to easily discover related live or on demand content . Audiences can also take advantage of features such as restart , pause and access to more episodes from live TV .

• Browse – Viewers will be able to press the Freely button on their remote to explore recommended live and on demand programming from Britain ’ s leading broadcasters and free-to-air channels , all in

The new service is designed to futureproof live TV for the streaming age . Freely will bring live and on demand content together all in one place for free one place .

• TV Guide – Bringing simplicity and familiarity , this 7-day guide provides

relevant information and is easily recognisable thanks to its consistency across all Freely TVs and one-touch access via the ‘ Guide ’ button on the remote . Audiences can also discover more episodes and on demand content linked to the live TV shows they are enjoying , all via the TV Guide . TV manufacturer Vestel has been revealed as an additional smart TV partner to offer Freely , in a five-year , long term deal . Freely will be running the native guide on Vestel TVs , giving users the best viewing experience possible . Freely will provide a consistent and recognisable user experience across all Freelyenabled TVs in market regardless of how it is accessed .

Everyone TV is also working with UKTV to bring the broadcaster ’ s portfolio of free channels to Freely , via broadband . UKTV ’ s channels include Dave , Drama , Yesterday and W .

More details around Freely will be announced in the coming weeks , including additional smart TV , operating system and content partners .

“ It ’ s clear the way people are watching TV is changing , with more audiences switching over to a broadband only connection ,” note Sarah Milton and Carl Pfeiffer , joint chief product officers , Everyone TV . “ We ’ ve built Freely around the needs of British audiences , bringing them the freedom to choose how they want to watch , with all their favourite shows from the UK ’ s leading broadcasters all in one place for free . We ’ re really proud of what we ’ re launching with Freely and are excited about bringing major enhancements like the MiniGuide to viewers as Freely launches in Q2 this year .”

“ We are thrilled to announce our further partnership and commitment to the latest innovation in television technology , by offering customers TVs that are compatible with Freely ,” adds Atinc Ogut , vice president of TV Product Management , Vestel . “ Freely offers a seamless and intuitive user interface that aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the way people experience television . The collaboration not only enhances the functionality of our TVs but also empowers users to freely stream their favourite shows , live and on demand , all from a single , unified platform . As one of the TV manufactures now compatible with Freely , we ’ re proud to be setting the standard for the future of television .”