Freeview is launching a free app which will allow viewers to stream live channels from BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and access on-demand content from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, and UKTV Play on their mobile devices.
The app will launch on 22nd January 2019 for Apple iOS devices with an Android version launching “in early 2019.”
Today’s news means viewers will be able to watch live Freeview programming without having to access an aerial.
Viewers will be able to search through both live and on demand content, helping them find their favourite shows while a recommendations feature will help them discover new favourites across the suite of supported on demand players.
The app is collaboration between Digital UK and Freeview’s common shareholders, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Arqiva, who led the software build.
Digital UK, which leads on the product specification and technical development worked hand in hand with Freeview on the app. Arqiva acted as technology partner to DUK by developing both the app and integrating it with the Content Providers’ metadata feeds.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Digital UK said, “In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, the new Freeview mobile app is an excellent example of broadcaster and industry collaboration in action.
“Today’s viewers value having access to their favourite shows when and where they want and the new app provides the aggregated experience that consumers increasingly expect from a TV provider.
“We’re putting the best of free-to-air content – public service and commercial – in to one place on mobile just as we have on TV, ensuring that great free tv is available to everyone wherever they are”.