New freesat app doubles up as remote control

Freesat has launched a new TV guide app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch – available from today for all free TV viewers.

The app – marketed as “Your Clever Little TV App” – is to become the first with access to a full set of free on-demand players – allowing users to control how and what to watch from one of their connected devices, as well as being able to directly control their TVs.

Via an interface that aims to give a “seamless” user experience, viewers have the ability to browse through programmes, catch-up on-demand and also set reminders to view shows at a later date. There is also a Showcase section, where an editorial team at Freesat cherry-pick the best programmes across the free channels to highlight shows that may not otherwise have been discovered by viewers, both scheduled and on-demand.

When linked with the Freetime service, the app – which supports iOS6 and iOS7 – allows users to set recordings remotely from wherever they are – both in and out of home.

Freesat’s managing director, Emma Scott, has described the app as a “game changer for the free TV market”.

“The Freesat App lets you manage how and when you watch all of the great free TV shows available on Freesat, at home, at work or on the bus,” she said.

“Whether that’s planning or remote recording your favourite programmes […] this new app helps you make the most of what’s on.

“We believe this is going to change the way people explore and discover television shows, as well as manage how they view them.”