Entertainment technology company Xperi Inc has announced today that its TiVo OS smart system has just been granted official Freely certification for streaming media devices. In other words, while consumers in the U.K. have been able to buy TVs that feature both the acclaimed TiVo OS smart system and the Freely live TV channel streaming service pretty much since Freely launched in spring 2024, they will now also be able to purchase TiVo OS- and Freely-capable streaming media devices that don’t carry an integrated screen or built-in DTT tuner.

The sort of products we’re mostly talking about here are external set top boxes/pucks or HDMI streaming stick type devices capable of adding the TiVo OS and Freely features to any TV with an HDMI port, no matter how old, dumb or dedicated to a different operating system that TV might be.

Freely will now be available through the TiVo OS on upcoming external streaming devices.

Photo: TiVo and Freely

Being able to add TiVo OS and Freely to essentially any TV via likely quite affordable external streaming devices clearly hugely opens up the potential UK marketplace for both TiVo OS and Freely – especially given the strong word of mouth this combination of services has earned on the back of their TV-based debuts.

TiVo OS has proved to be an outstandingly robust and comprehensive smart TV platform that carries all the main video streaming services the vast majority of households will ever need – as well as providing a brilliantly intuitive content finding and recommendation system built around what I’d argue is the most extensive, ‘joined up’ and straightforwardly chatty voice recognition system in the smart TV world.

Freely was designed by owners Everyone TV (a conglomerate of the U.K.’s main BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 terrestrial digital broadcast services) to enable viewers to live stream the majority of the channels currently available on the Freeview digital broadcast platform, rather than all viewers having to depend on having a digital aerial attached to their homes. This seems a pretty sensible progression to have made given that research suggests that one in three UK households will be streaming only by the end of this year, with this figure set to rise to more than 50% by 2030 and more than 70% within a decade.

Freeview also now carries a number of channels from third parties beyond the founding members, as well as tens of thousands of hours of on-demand ‘catch up’ content. All without any subscription charge.

“Freely’s device certification for streaming-only form factors is a game-changer for the UK market,” says Gabriel Cosgrave, General Manager, EMEA at TiVo. “It expands consumer choice, gives retailers and ISPs new ways to delight customers with a frictionless live TV experience, and extends the reach of UK broadcasters via IP. With TiVo OS now certified across both TVs and streaming devices, partners can move faster and differentiate more confidently.”

CEO of Everyone TV Jonathan Thompson, meanwhile, has this to say of the new certification: “We’re pleased to recognise TiVo OS with Freely certification for their streaming devices. Introducing Freely to these devices means even more UK households can easily access and navigate free TV in the streaming age, enjoying their favourite live TV moments or seamlessly browsing our library of over 75,000 hours of on demand shows. We look forward to working with TiVo to bring streaming devices with their Operating System to consumers.”

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In a continuous effort to redefine communication standards and elevate customer experiences, Telenor Pakistan has launched Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) services. This innovative service enables Telenor customers to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi networks using their mobile number, offering a robust and reliable alternative to traditional mobile signals.

Designed to address connectivity challenges, VoWiFi ensures uninterrupted communication in environments with weak or no mobile network coverage, including basements, remote locations, or during temporary disruptions to mobile services. This service represents a significant step forward in enhancing communication quality, reliability, and accessibility, especially in areas traditionally underserved by conventional mobile networks, empowering societies with connectivity that matters most.

“We are thrilled to introduce VoWiFi, a transformative service that reshapes the future of voice calling,” said Waqas Aman Ullah, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Telenor Pakistan. “At Telenor Pakistan, we are committed to empowering our customers with innovative solutions that enhance connectivity and make their lives easier. VoWiFi is a testament to our dedication to improving customer experiences and reflects our ongoing efforts to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the telecom industry. “I’m also grateful to the members of Technology and Commercial teams especially Waleed Abbas (Head of Product Strategy), Syed Fawad Shabbar (Manager Network & Devices), and Memoona Arshad (Assistant Manager Devices & Product Planning) whose dedication and hard work truly brought this launch to life.”

This cutting-edge solution represents a significant leap forward in nationwide connectivity, setting new standards for reliability, convenience, and seamless communication. With VoWiFi now available on compatible handsets, Telenor Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to expanding access to advanced communication technologies and delivering future-ready solutions tailored to the diverse needs of customers across the country. Telenor customers can check their handset’s compatibility for the service on our website: https://www.telenor.com.pk/vowifi/.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has intensified its crackdown on illegal SIM activations, after its Zonal Office in Lahore conducted a major raid on a telecom franchise in Sheikhupura found to be involved in issuing unauthorized SIMs.

The raid was carried out in coordination with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency Lahore, following a complaint from a female citizen whose CNIC had been repeatedly misused for multiple SIM registrations without her consent.

During the operation, officials seized two mobile phones, one laptop, five Biometric Verification System devices, and 150 SIMs. Two people, including the franchise owner and a telecom company employee, were arrested.

An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway to identify additional accomplices.

PTA said it remains committed to stopping the misuse of biometric systems and eliminating the illegal issuance of SIMs.

The authority urged citizens to immediately report any unauthorized SIMs issued against their CNIC through its helpline 0800 55055 or the online complaint portal.