U (streaming service)

Last updated

U
Other namesUKTV Play (2014–2024)
Original author(s) UKTV
Initial release4 August 2014;10 years ago (2014-08-04)
Platform iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, YouView, Virgin Media, Now
Available inEnglish
Website u.co.uk

U (formerly known as UKTV Play) is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, which is operated by the BBC's commercial subsidiary BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming and previously live broadcasts from UKTV's free-to-air channels (U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W, U&Eden, and U&Yesterday). [1]

Contents

History

UKTV Play was first announced in June 2014. [2] Prior to its launch, each UKTV channel had their own on-demand services.

UKTV Play launched on iOS in August, on PC, YouView and Virgin Media in November [3] and on Android in February 2015. [4] The service would then launch on Freeview Play in August 2016, [5] on Roku and Sky UK's Now in February 2018, [6] and on Freesat and Samsung smart TVs in September 2018. [7]

Following the relaunch of W as a free-to-air service, the channel's shows became available to watch for free on UKTV Play.[ citation needed ]

Rebrand to U

In November 2023, UKTV announced that UKTV Play would be renamed as U, as part of the unification of UKTV's channels and service under the new masterbrand. [8] UKTV Play rebranded as U on 16 July 2024. [9]

References

  1. ↑ Finbow, Katy (31 March 2015). "Drama channel launches on UKTV Play on-demand service". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  2. ↑ Alexander, Susannah (23 June 2014). "UKTV launching first interactive digital service UKTV Play". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  3. ↑ Barker, John (21 November 2014). "UKTV Play arrives on YouView and PC". Broadband Choices. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "UKTV Play app launches on Android". Digital TV Europe. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  5. ↑ "UKTV Play launches on Freeview Play | Freeview". www.freeview.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  6. ↑ "UKTV Play launches on NOW TV and Roku streaming players | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  7. ↑ "UKTV Play launches on Freesat | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  8. ↑ Middleton, Richard (29 November 2023). "UKTV channels and streaming service to rebrand under new banner U" . Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  9. ↑ Kasule, Melissa (6 June 2024). "UKTV to launch masterbrand U on July 16" . Retrieved 12 June 2024.
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