U (streaming service)
.svg) Logo used since 2024 | |
| Other names | UKTV Play (2014–2024) |
|---|---|
| Original author(s) | UKTV |
| Developer(s) | UKTV |
| Initial release | 4 August 2014 |
| Operating system | Windows, OS X |
| Platform | iOS, Android, YouView, Virgin Media, Now |
| Available in | English |
| Website | u |
U (formerly known as UKTV Play) is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, a subsidiary of BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming from UKTV's free-to-air channels, which include U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W and U&Yesterday.[1]
History
[edit]In 2013, prior to the launch of UKTV Play, each channel had their own on-demand services such as Alibi OD, Dave OD, GOLD OD, Good Food OD, Home OD and Watch OD.
UKTV Play was first announced in June 2014.[2] The service first launched on iOS in August, on PC, YouView and Virgin Media in November[3] and on Android in February 2015.[4] In addition, it launched on Freeview Play in August 2016,[5] on Roku and Now in February 2018,[6] and on Freesat and Samsung smart TVs in September 2018.[7]
Following the addition of W to UKTV's free-to-air packages, the shows from the channel became available to watch for free on UKTV Play.
Since 2019, the UKTV brand is fully owned by BBC Studios.[8]
In August 2023, UKTV launched four FAST channels utilising the UKTV Play brand and content on platforms including Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV.[9]
In November 2023, UKTV announced that UKTV Play would be renamed to U as part of UKTV unifying their channels and service under the masterbrand of the same name.[10] UKTV Play rebranded to U on 1 July 2024.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Finbow, Katy (31 March 2015). "Drama channel launches on UKTV Play on-demand service". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ Alexander, Susannah (23 June 2014). "UKTV launching first interactive digital service UKTV Play". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ Barker, John (21 November 2014). "UKTV Play arrives on YouView and PC". Broadband Choices. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ "UKTV Play app launches on Android". Digital TV Europe. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- ^ "UKTV Play launches on Freeview Play | Freeview". www.freeview.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ "UKTV Play launches on NOW TV and Roku streaming players | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ "UKTV Play launches on Freesat | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Broadband TV News, 2023-08-23
- ^ Middleton, Richard (29 November 2023). "UKTV channels and streaming service to rebrand under new banner U". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Kasule, Melissa (6 June 2024). "UKTV to launch masterbrand U on July 16". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
