There’s no question that streaming is the future of TV. Sky has already invested heavily in this online technology with products such as Sky Glass and its Sky Stream device proving hugely popular with UK consumers. That’s mainly down to their simplicity, with users simply connecting things to their Wi-Fi for instant DIY viewing. Although Sky is still the leader of the pack – thanks to the plethora of channels and features it provides – the firm is not alone in offering an easy way to watch TV.

The new Freely service is also now offering homes the ability to view live and on-demand content without the need for an aerial, and it has one advantage over Sky as it doesn’t require a monthly subscription to tune in.

The biggest issue for Freely has been the need to buy a new TV as only the latest models from the likes of Hisense, Panasonic and Sharp currently come with the platform installed. That means those with older screens have missed out.

However, that’s just changed thanks to the launch of a new puck called the PLEIO.

This diddy device has been created by the team at Netgem and offers full access to Freely without the need to dash out and buy a new television.

In fact, users simply plug it in via an HDMI cable and connect it to their broadband – it’s as simple as that.

Once installed, the PLEIO Puck offers full access to live and on-demand telly via Freely, plus it comes with all the latest streaming apps – such as Disney+ and Netflix – installed as well.

There’s even the ability to play over 200 games, and it comes with full voice controls to make controlling things simple.

It is going on sale from today and costs £99.00.

That price even includes the PLEIO Puck, PLEIO Voice Remote, a PLEIO Gamepad controller and a three month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription.

The subscription includes access to 250+ Cloud Games and 150+ extra channels. Afterwards, it’s an optional £9.99 monthly fee for these features.

Speaking about the launch, Sylvain Thevenot Managing Director of Netgem UK said: “After a decade of collaboration with national broadcasters and operators, we recognised the need for a simple, all-in-one platform and are proud to launch in the UK, as a first step of our product strategy.

“We built PLEIO as the answer to the fragmentation of the entertainment market. PLEIO delivers a truly comprehensive viewing experience – Watch, Stream, and Play – that is ready for any Fibre broadband-connected home today. It represents a new approach for consumers and an unparalleled opportunity for operators to deliver both choice and exceptional value.”

Analyst Paolo Pescatore told Express.co.uk that a device like the PLEIO was long-overdue with homes in desperate need of cheaper ways to watch TV.

“A long-overdue move is a step in the right direction,” Pescatore said.

“While there will inevitably be some user backlash, streaming content illegally is against the law. However, there is a broader problem: consumers are being forced to pay increasingly high subscription fees to access content.

“Broadcasters are spending more to secure live sports rights and passing these costs onto consumers who can’t afford them, leading to a messy, fragmented experience.”