Freeview remains one of the most popular ways to watch TV in the UK, and that’s hardly surprising. As long as you have a Freeview compatible device in your living room it’s totally free to watch and, unlike Sky, there are no monthly subscription fees to pay. Of course, that does mean Freeview isn’t quite as feature-packed as its more premium rival but one set-top box manufacturer is trying to keep pace with devices such as Sky Q and Sky Stream.
The team at Manhattan unveiled its new T4 range last year with these devices able to recored multiple shows at once, offer easy ways to find 4K content, pause live TV and include a sleep mode which uses less energy when the box isn’t being used.
Manhattan’s boxes also offer full access to live and on-demand content, but the company has now confirmed that it has added YouTube as well. All Sky devices have long had the YouTube app pre-installed, which makes it easy to watch endless hours of content for free.
Now, those with a T4 and T4•R box under their TV will get that same experience. Manhattan says it has even placed it right at the top of the home screen for easy access.
“That’s right – YouTube has arrived on the T4 range in our v2 update, and you’ll find it exactly where it should be – on our Top Apps row. The world’s biggest video platform is now seamlessly integrated into your Manhattan experience, bringing unlimited entertainment into your living room.”
You can even instantly share videos from the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to your TV. Just tap the TV icon when you find something to watch, select your T4 or T4•R and your box will power on and start playing.
To get this update, just make sure your device has the latest v2 software installed.
According to recent Ofcom data, YouTube has become an essential part of British entertainment, with a staggering 9 in 10 of us using the service regularly.
It’s a nice update from Manhattan but Sky could be about to fight back once again.
The telly firm has a launch event pencilled in for this week where it’s promising to show off something, “Smarter, brighter and better than ever”.
Express.co.uk will be Sky’s event and will bring you all the news so watch this space.
