Summary
- TiVo OS has been approved to support Freely on streaming devices such as boxes and sticks, expanding beyond smart TVs.
- Freely is Everyone TV’s broadband-based platform offering free live and on-demand channels from major UK broadcasters.
- First TiVo OS devices with Freely are expected in 2026, but no manufacturers or product types have been named yet.
- Current TiVo OS devices may not get Freely via updates, as the focus remains on launching the service through new hardware.
TiVo has received official certification to support Freely on a new category of streaming devices built around its operating system.
Until now, Freely has mostly appeared inside select smart TVs and a limited number of stand-alone boxes. This latest move clears the way for TiVo OS to power plug-in devices—such as TV sticks and external streaming boxes—that make Freely available to any screen with HDMI and a broadband connection.
Everyone TV, the body behind Freely, has signed off on the change. It marks a step towards bringing free internet-based live TV to more homes, without the need for Freely-branded televisions or manufacturer-specific boxes.
Certification unlocks Freely support for external TiVo devices
Everyone TV has now certified TiVo OS to run Freely on external hardware. This includes streaming sticks and plug-in boxes, expanding beyond built-in support on smart TVs.
For manufacturers, this approval means they can now design TiVo-based streaming hardware with Freely fully integrated into the TV interface. Users won’t need to download a separate app or switch HDMI inputs—Freely would appear as part of the home screen alongside other streaming services.
There are no confirmed models yet, but the green light allows development to begin. The first Freely-ready TiVo OS devices are expected to appear during 2026.
Explaining Freely and Everyone TV
Freely is a broadband-based free TV platform developed by Everyone TV, the organisation that also manages Freeview and Freesat. It is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The aim is to modernise free-to-air television for households that rely on broadband instead of aerial or satellite. Freely offers live channels, on-demand shows and catch-up content over the internet—delivered through a streamlined interface and with no monthly subscription.
It’s designed for people who still want access to core UK channels but have moved away from traditional broadcast TV.
In homes that already use multiple streaming platforms or have a pay TV service in place, Freely gives you a way to keep free channels in one place. It can also be paired with paid content providers.
First came smart TVs, now streaming hardware is next
Freely made its debut in 2024 through a select number of smart TVs with the software built in at the factory.
Everyone TV has since started to broaden availability through hardware partners like Netgem and Humax. These standalone devices—such as the Freely PVR from Humax—connect to existing TVs and stream content over broadband.
With the new certification, manufacturers using TiVo OS can now follow the same route. They’ll be able to produce Freely-compatible boxes or sticks that work with any television, not just the newer models that support Freely natively.
This approach opens the door to more options on the shelf, including Freely-branded hardware, devices powered by TiVo OS, and streaming boxes potentially offered by broadband providers as part of a bundled package.
How it benefits broadband and TV households
This change adds flexibility for viewers.
Rather than needing to upgrade to a Freely-enabled TV, you’ll soon be able to plug a TiVo OS device into your current set—provided it has HDMI and an internet connection.
This could suit:
- People with a reliable broadband connection and a perfectly usable HD or early 4K TV.
- Homes that want Freely on a bedroom or kitchen TV without buying another smart TV.
- Anyone curious about Freely but not ready to replace their setup.
However, streaming Freely on multiple screens at once will demand more from your broadband. If you already use streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, and also run cloud gaming or remote work setups, entry-level fibre may not be enough.
Why providers and retailers may embrace Freely
For broadband providers and retailers, this development creates new possibilities.
If a TiVo-powered Freely device is affordable, ISPs might bundle it with broadband plans as an alternative to offering a full pay TV box. These plug-in devices are compact, easier to ship, and typically require less support than custom hardware.
Retailers can also add them to their shelves alongside other streaming options like Roku and Fire TV. The difference is that Freely would be fully integrated into the interface, rather than being just another app.
For households comparing free TV with paid alternatives, it’s still worth weighing up what each service offers. While Freely includes live BBC, ITV and Channel 4 channels, it doesn’t offer premium content like sport or subscription-only films. That’s where Virgin Media TV packages come in, offering extra channels that Freely doesn’t provide. You can easily use both—Freely for core free channels, and a paid service for premium extras.
Launch timelines and product details not yet confirmed
Although the certification is confirmed, key details are still unknown.
We don’t yet have:
- A list of manufacturers who will build TiVo OS devices with Freely.
- Confirmation of whether they will be sticks, boxes or both.
- Any pricing information.
- Details about how they’ll be sold—whether through retail, ISP bundles, or both.
What is clear is that the first devices are expected during 2026. That gives hardware partners enough time to finalise designs, integrate Freely, and go through Everyone TV’s product approval process.
Until then, Freely will remain available through supported smart TVs and the existing range of Freely boxes.
No clarity yet on updates for existing TiVo OS devices
A common question is whether current TiVo OS televisions and devices might get Freely through a software update.
Technically, it could be possible—if the hardware can support the interface and if the platform allows Freely to be integrated cleanly. For existing users, a firmware update would be the simplest way to gain Freely without buying anything new.
However, Everyone TV has so far focused entirely on launching Freely through new devices only. The platform’s experience has been tightly managed from day one—including remote controls and interface design—which may be difficult to replicate on older hardware.
At this stage, there’s been no official announcement about updates for current TiVo OS TVs. Owners will need to wait for news from manufacturers or Everyone TV before knowing if their device will be eligible.
Freely’s long-term shift towards broadband TV
This update is part of a wider move away from aerial-based TV towards broadband-based delivery.
Freeview and Freesat are still widely used, especially in areas with limited broadband or on older TVs. But as more homes move onto full fibre and cable, there’s growing demand for free TV services that run purely over the internet.
Freely is designed to fill that role. It carries forward the structure of traditional free channels and rebuilds it with IP delivery, live restart features and catch-up integrations—all within one interface.
Certifying TiVo OS is another step in making Freely available on more platforms. It joins smart TVs, dedicated Freely boxes, and now the potential for future TiVo-powered streaming devices.
For broadband households, it’s another reason to pay attention to the speed, coverage and reliability of your connection. If every screen in the house is streaming TV over IP, even during peak hours, lower-end fibre plans may struggle to cope—particularly in larger households where several devices are active at once.
That’s why many people move to faster plans from providers like Virgin Media and BT. Combining reliable broadband with flexible TV setups like Freely lets you create a more customised viewing setup, without relying on a fixed TV box tied to a pay TV contract.
