Streaming has solidified its place as the future of television, with Sky heavily investing in cutting-edge technology like Sky Glass and the Sky Stream box, which have gained immense popularity in the UK. The main draw of these products is their simplicity – just connect to Wi-Fi, and you can start watching shows, sports, and movies without the need for engineer visits or satellite dishes. While Sky continues to dominate the market with its wide range of channels and features, there are now other convenient options for TV viewing.
One such alternative is Freely, a new service that allows households to watch live and on-demand TV without requiring an aerial, and the standout feature is that it operates without a monthly subscription fee.
However, until recently, Freely was only available on the latest TVs from brands like Hisense, Panasonic, and Sharp, leaving owners of older sets or models from Samsung and LG out of luck.
Fortunately, the introduction of the PLEIO Puck changes this scenario. Developed by Netgem, this compact device provides full access to Freely on any TV. Simply plug it into an HDMI port, connect to broadband, and you’re good to go.
Once set up, the PLEIO Puck offers live and on-demand Freely viewing with a selection of over 40 channels for free. Additionally, the Freely platform allows users to pause live TV, receive recommendations, and navigate through an interactive guide to see what’s currently airing and what’s up next.
Moreover, the Puck includes other popular streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, supports over 200 games, and features full voice control.
The PLEIO Puck is now available for purchase at £99. This price includes the device, a voice remote, a gamepad controller, and a three-month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription, which unlocks access to 250+ cloud games and an additional 150+ channels. Following the trial period, the subscription is optional at £9.99 per month.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, expressed his excitement about the launch, emphasizing the platform’s simplicity and comprehensive viewing experience. He highlighted that PLEIO addresses the fragmented entertainment market, providing consumers with a unified solution suitable for any Fiber broadband-connected home.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore commented that a device like the PLEIO Puck is long overdue, noting the growing consumer demand for affordable content viewing options. He cautioned about the escalating subscription costs, partly driven by broadcasters paying hefty fees for sports rights, which are steering viewers towards complex and fragmented viewing choices, including illegal streaming.