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A brand-new set-top box from Humax powered by Freely has been spotted in the wild.
The vigilant team at Cordbusters discovered evidence of an upcoming box called the Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder manufactured by established set-top box maker Humax that promises to bring Freely to any telly via HDMI.
Freely launched early last year as the successor to Freeview, offering access to an unrivalled selection of free-to-air channels and on-demand catalogues over a Wi-Fi connection — with no aerial needed.
However, this wasn't a software update for existing Freeview TVs, it's only available on brand-new Smart TVs built from the ground up to support Freely.
Despite the pricey upgrade required, Freely is confident that it's on track to overtake Freeview and Freesat by the end of the decade.
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And with the upcoming launch of the Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder, it looks like you'll soon be able to bring the latest Freely smarts to your existing television. This new device would give you free access to over 70 live Freeview Play channels and 40,000+ hours of on-demand content from the UK's main broadcasters, streamed over the internet.
The product briefly appeared on Humax's website before being removed, suggesting an imminent announcement. When contacted by Cordbusters, Humax confirmed the device is "under internal testing and development".
Freely offers over 70,000 hours of on-demand content and more than 55 live channels, which can be streamed over Wi-Fi | EVERYONE TV PRESS OFFICE The new set-top box is designed to give noteworthy features for your home entertainment setup. For instance, you'll be able to record and store up to 1,000 hours of programmes, ensuring you never miss your favourite shows.
The device will reportedly support ultra-high-definition 4K content, delivering sharp picture quality for compatible televisions. You'll have flexibility in how you connect, as the box features both broadband streaming capabilities and a traditional aerial socket.
This dual connectivity means you can access internet-based content while maintaining access to standard terrestrial television signals. The combination offers the best of both modern streaming and conventional broadcast technology in one device.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
You can currently access Freely's service through newer television models that come with the platform already installed.
The service provides more than 40 television channels at no cost, delivered through your internet connection rather than traditional aerial broadcasts. This approach mirrors how Sky Glass and Sky Stream operate, using broadband to deliver programming directly to your screen. The limitation has been that you needed to invest in a compatible television to use Freely.
The forthcoming Humax box changes will soon change this. You'll be able to add Freely to your existing television setup without replacing your current screen, making the platform accessible to many more households.
Freely is the successor to Freeview, offering access to an unrivalled selection of free-to-air channels and on-demand catalogues over a Wi-Fi connection — with no aerial needed | EVERYONE TV PRESS OFFICE However, the Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder may not be able to compete with Sky's extensive content library. Sky Glass Gen 2 and Sky Stream provide hundreds of channels, including exclusive sports and film packages that require paid subscriptions.
Freely's platform cannot offer live Formula 1 racing or Premier League football matches. These premium sporting events remain exclusive to Sky subscribers.
While Freely targets the same market as Sky's streaming services, it operates as a free alternative with more limited programming. The trade-off is clear: no monthly fees, but no access to Sky's premium content.
There has been no official release date announced for the Humax device, but this recent link could indicate that it's around the corner.
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