There’s an app for that.
Apple’s iconic advert is 10 years old, and after a decade that famous slogan finally rings true. As now that includes watching your favourite Freeview channels.
Here’s everything you need to know about our new mobile app.
Watch anywhere
Whether you’re trying to stay awake on the interminable train to work, or plonked on the sofa and in need of a second screen, all you need is your phone, the Freeview mobile app and a data connection or wi-fi. Suddenly you’ve got the UK’s best-loved TV at your fingertips – completely free! You’re never more than three taps away from a telly sesh.
Easily see what’s on right now
No matter when you get the chance to tap into the app, you’ll instantly be able to see what’s showing on TV at that moment. Opening straight into the What’s On section of the app, you can simply scroll up and down through a handy visual guide. A progress bar even tells you how much of the programme has been on already, so you’re forewarned whether you’re about to steamroll into the end credits of Dancing on Ice.
But it’s not just about the now. If you want to know what’s coming up after Jason Gardiner’s pantomime tongue-lashings, just swipe to the side and you can check what’s next. Simple.
Content is hand-picked for you
Sometimes it feels like there’s almost too much choice, and there’s not always a bestie nearby to tell you what you should be watching, and 'how have you missed that, you must’ve been living under a rock', etc. Freeview can be that friend (without the judgemental baggage).
Tap on On Demand for a curated selection of binge-worthy shows such as Luther, Catastrophe, or Cleaning Up. In fact, there’s the choice to filter into 10 genres, such as Comedy, Drama & Soaps, or Kids – be prepared to lose your phone to any Peppa Pig-obsessed littl’uns in the vicinity.
You’ll even find the odd topical category popping into the carousel, such as World Cup (roll on 2022, when it’s undoubtedly coming home) or Doctor Who.
Plan your viewing
If you’re the type to live life by a calendar rather than a spontaneous role of fate’s dice, you’ll love the Freeview apps’s 15-day TV Guide. Plan what you’re going to watch today – and also scroll through the week ahead to reassure yourself that Death in Paradise is on Thursday, like you already knew it was because you’re super on-it.
You can even set reminders or double-tap a channel to add it to your Favourites, then filter the guide according to the channels you like the best.
But life doesn’t always go to plan, or pesky holidays get in the way – and that’s when you’ll want to swipe back through the guide to the previous week. Anything available for catch-up is clearly flagged, so you won’t miss out.
Search is your friend
You know roughly what it’s called – Cold Hands, Cold Legs maybe? – but you can’t spot it in the guide. Argh, stupid fallible memory! Don’t bust a brain cell trying to remember; just start tapping the name into the app’s search bar.
The Search function is ultra-fast and intelligent, so it’ll start making suggestions as you type, whether you’re looking for a show on now or on demand. You’ll be watching Cold Feet in no time.
