[radiorebel]

I'm not sure why anyone is remotely shocked by Freely only being on Smart TVs, it's replacing Freeview Play.

I think it’s mostly the fact that they are only putting it on NEW Smart TVs, especially when there are millions of TVs out there capable of running the technology with a software update or app download. It is supposed to be an evolution of how we receive linear TV in response to the streaming market and the way a lot of people watch nowadays. Also I thought it was supposed to make Freeview more accessible not less. For example for myself I am in a Freeview lite area and this would be an upgrade, but I can’t afford to get a new TV just for that.

In regards to not being on streaming devices, you could understand why Freeview play isn’t available on them. They don’t have TV tuners or Aerial compatibility, for Freely however it would make sense for them to be on streaming devices. Also the argument against people outside of the UK being able to access it, it could be location services based and it is possible for apps to get around VPNs most just choose not too.