Freeview Play launches new “Explore” feature to showcase the best on-demand
David Farnor | On 22, Jun 2017
Freeview Play is launching a new “Explore” to showcase the best of the day’s on-demand programmes for viewers.
Launched in late 2015, the platform brings UK consumers a combination of live, catch-up and on demand content all in one place for no monthly cost. Despite a crowded marketplace, the product has proven successful: sales of Freeview Play TVs and set-top boxes surpassed 1 million this year, with Freeview Play TVs now accounting for one in three (34%) smart HD TVs sold in the UK.
Freeview isn’t one to rest on its laurels, though, with the launch of its new interface focused on discovery. From today, users can search for programmes by genre or programme name. The service features a scrolling carousel of 10 genres* with recommendations from Freeview Play’s supported broadcasters displaying in a new image-rich menu.
The specially curated content allows viewers to browse recommendations from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, “Demand 5” (rebranded as My5 last year) and UKTV Play, with more content being added as additional broadcasters join Freeview Play. Viewers can access the new feature via the apps page.
Freeview Explore will roll out on Freeview Play TVs and set-top boxes this month, with the Help and Alerts area delivering instructional videos as well as news and information on platform updates.
Guy North, Managing Director of Freeview says: “With more content than ever available, Freeview Explore creates an easy way for viewers to find the shows they love or discover new ones for the first time. With more product enhancements and new features in the pipeline, we’ll be providing a better service to our viewers, and our channel and TV manufacturing partners too. It’s an exciting time for Freeview Play.”
Don’t have Freeview Play? You can keep up to speed with the best content available on-demand from Freeview with our weekly Catch Up TV column, which highlights shows available on ITV Hub, All 4, My5 and UK TV Play. You can also browse our weekly recommendations from BBC iPlayer here.
