Netgem’s PLEIO Arrives in the UK: A New Era of “Watch, Stream, Play” Entertainment

London, UK – November 21, 2025 – The way Britons consume entertainment is about to change. Netgem today launched PLEIO, a next-generation entertainment service poised to disrupt the streaming landscape. Forget endlessly scrolling through menus or juggling multiple subscriptions – PLEIO promises a unified experience, blending free-to-air television, a vast channel selection, cloud gaming, and access to all your favorite streaming apps, all powered by a sleek, palm-sized device.

What is PLEIO and Why Should You Care?

PLEIO isn’t just another streaming box; it’s a complete entertainment hub. At its core is Freely, the new free streaming platform backed by the UK’s public service broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5). This means instant access to live and on-demand content without a single subscription fee. But Netgem doesn’t stop there. PLEIO expands the offering with a bouquet of over 150 additional channels covering sports, youth programming, cinema, documentaries, and more.

For gamers, PLEIO introduces a cloud gaming library boasting over 250 titles, eliminating the need for expensive consoles. Titles like Nickelodeon Kart Racers, The Smurfs, and Overcooked 2 are just a taste of what’s on offer, opening up gaming to a wider audience. And if that wasn’t enough, PLEIO provides full access to the Google Play Store, meaning you can download and enjoy popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, and YouTube.

The “Pebble” and the Power of Simplicity

The brains of PLEIO reside in a compact “pebble” – a streaming device small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It comes complete with a voice remote and a dedicated game controller, ensuring a seamless experience whether you’re watching, streaming, or playing. Netgem is offering PLEIO through direct sales and partnerships with internet service providers, managing the entire service for a hassle-free experience.

Addressing the “Scroll Fatigue” Problem

Ever spent more time looking for something to watch than actually watching it? Netgem recognizes this frustration. Statistics show the average person wastes around 30 minutes a day – a full week each year – searching for content. PLEIO aims to solve this “scroll fatigue” by streamlining content discovery and presenting users with a curated, all-in-one experience. This focus on user experience is a key differentiator in a crowded market.

Freely’s Expansion: Bringing Free TV to the Streaming Age

The launch of PLEIO is a significant win for Freely, the joint venture from the UK’s major broadcasters. Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Everyone TV (owner and operator of Freely), emphasized the importance of expanding access to free TV in the streaming era. “These new devices will allow users to integrate Freely with their existing TVs, providing millions of households who currently do not have access to Freely with an easy way to stream all their favorite programs,” he stated. This move effectively eliminates the need for a traditional TV antenna, making free-to-air television accessible to a new generation of viewers.

Netgem’s Vision: “Everyone’s Entertained”

Mathias Hautefort, Managing Director of Netgem, believes PLEIO represents a fundamental shift in how consumers access entertainment. “PLEIO offers an unparalleled experience according to the WATCH/STREAM/PLAY triptych for all homes connected to Very High Speed,” he explained. “It represents a new approach for consumers and an unprecedented opportunity for operators to distribute the best content.” Netgem’s long-term goal, encapsulated in their tagline “everyone’s entertained,” is to democratize access to quality entertainment.

PLEIO isn’t just a product launch; it’s a statement about the future of home entertainment. By combining free content, a diverse channel lineup, cloud gaming, and app integration, Netgem is offering a compelling alternative to the fragmented streaming landscape. The success of PLEIO will likely hinge on its ability to deliver on its promise of simplicity and value, and to capture the attention of consumers weary of subscription overload. Keep an eye on archyde.com for ongoing coverage and analysis of this developing story.