Freeview Play coming to Android TV devices

Google has signed a new deal with Freeview that is bringing Freeview Play to Android TV devices. The agreement means Android TV users will gain access to more than 85 live Freeview channels and over 20,000 hours of on-demand content from ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, All 4 and UKTV Play.

Shalini Govil-pai from Google said: “Freeview Play brings together content from the most widely used providers in the UK. We are thrilled to offer Freeview Play on Android TV, so UK consumers have access to the live and on-demand content they love.”

Ultimately, the deal will add to the functionality and choice to Android TV devices and may, by extension, make Android TV-equipped devices more appealing to buyers.

Jonathan Thompson, CEO at Freeview platform operator, Digital UK said: “This deal highlights the importance of both live and on-demand content for British viewers. We are delighted that with Freeview Play, Android TV will provide access to the very best TV shows to even more people without the need of a subscription.”

What content can you watch on Freeview Play enabled devices? There is BBC iPlayer, with everything from Fleabag, to Our Girl, to Bake Off. Then there are ITV and Channel 4 and Channel 5’s on-demand service My5, with a host of documentaries, game-shows and classic dramas. ITV Hub can offer a wide variety of programming.