Freeview, the free-to-view platform that is a staple in millions of UK homes, may be facing its twilight days as more Brits are switching to broadband-powered television. Sky Glass and Sky Stream devices are booming in popularity.The services are quickly becoming Sky's most sought-after products. And the recently launched Freely platform also offers an option to watch content for free.A new development could provide a compelling reason to consider abandoning Freeview and the traditional aerial. It has been confirmed that a new set-top box could soon be introduced, which would bring the Freely service into even more homes.Freely was launched last year as a joint venture between the UK's public broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and 5.Currently, the only way to access this streaming service is by purchasing a brand new television with it pre-installed.This isn't ideal for those who are satisfied with their current TV, especially since manufacturers such as LG and Samsung do not currently offer any screens with Freely installed.The introduction of a set-top box would solve these issues and make the service much more appealing, reports the Express.BBC's Tim Davie recently shed light on the future of Freely, stating: "At the BBC we have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world."We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success."The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible."To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband."And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services."The move into a more digital future for TV viewers has sparked updates across the industry, with TiVo's team recently teasing the possibility of launching their own Freely-powered set-top box in the UK.Set to challenge Sky Stream, this device could transform outdated TV sets into modern smart content hubs, although full details are still under wraps.The shift towards streaming services offers numerous advantages, such as easier setup, reduced maintenance, and greater resilience against weather-related disruptions.An increase in investment for platforms like Freely is evident, with recent enhancements to the service that include a retroactive TV guide offering users the chance to catch up on missed programmes.
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