The landscape of television is rapidly evolving towards streaming services, marking a significant shift in how viewers consume content. Sky has heavily invested in this technology, introducing popular products like Sky Glass and the Sky Stream box in the UK. The appeal lies in their user-friendly setup – simply connect to Wi-Fi to access a wide range of shows, sports, and movies without the need for complex installations like engineer visits or dish installations. While Sky remains a dominant player with its extensive channel lineup and features, there are now other seamless options for TV viewing.
One such alternative is Freely, which enables households to watch live and on-demand TV without requiring an aerial and notably does not mandate a monthly subscription.
Previously, Freely was only integrated into the latest TVs from select brands such as Hisense, Panasonic, and Sharp, leaving owners of older models or those from Samsung and LG without this capability. However, this limitation has been overcome with the introduction of a new device called the PLEIO Puck.
Developed by the team at Netgem, the PLEIO Puck is a compact box that grants full Freely access to any TV. By simply plugging it into an HDMI port and connecting to broadband, users can immediately enjoy live and on-demand Freely content, offering over 40 channels at no cost. Moreover, the platform allows for pausing live TV, personalized recommendations, and an interactive guide for easy navigation.
In addition to Freely, the Puck also supports popular streaming apps like Disney+ and Netflix, boasts compatibility with over 200 games, and features comprehensive voice control functionality.
The PLEIO Puck is now available for purchase at £99. This price includes the Puck itself, a voice remote, a gamepad controller, and a three-month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription, which provides access to 250+ cloud games and 150+ extra channels. Following the trial period, the subscription is optional at £9.99 per month.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, expressed enthusiasm about the product launch, emphasizing the platform’s simplicity and all-in-one viewing experience that caters to modern households connected via Fibre broadband. This comprehensive approach aims to address consumer needs and offer value to operators in the entertainment market.
Industry analyst Paolo Pescatore highlighted the timeliness of a device like PLEIO, noting the increasing demand for cost-effective viewing options amidst rising subscription fees. He cautioned that escalating costs, influenced by broadcasters’ expenditures on sports rights, are driving viewers towards fragmented and potentially illegal streaming solutions.