Freeview launches mobile app with live streaming of PSBs

UK free-to-air digital-terrestrial platform Freeview has launched its own mobile app that provides the ability to stream live shows from the the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and on demand content from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, and UKTV Play.

Freeview said that the app – currently restricted to iOS devices with Android to follow later this year – is the only place where viewers can watch all live and on demand content from the public service broadcasters on their mobile device, for free.

The app includes curated on-demand recommendations, search capability, a 15-day TV guide, including access to the schedule from the previous week as well as the week ahead, the ability to set reminders, and the ability to set channels as favourites.

A Freeview spokesperson said that the app provides deep links to the PSBs’ existing apps, so to launch content viewers will need to have the relevant catch up player installed on their phone. When launched for the first time, the Freeview app will run through a download wizard which will prompt users to download the required catch up players.

Freeview intends to expand the range of content available with programming from non-PSB broadcasters over time. “Having live content from the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 is just the starting point; we definitely want to be able to add more live and catch up content from other channels in the future,” said the spokesperson.

The app is available from App Store free of charge.

Owen Jenkinson, marketing director, Freeview said: “Kaboom. Freeview now on mobile. Our viewers will love the freedom that this new offering gives them. Whether you want to watch Freeview in bed, in the park, or on your way to work – it’s all possible now.”