Last week, Frndly TV released their new Apple TV app on the tvOS App Store. It was previously only available on the iOS App Store and via the Safari web browser on the Mac.
Frndly TV is a live TV streaming service that has family-friendly TV channels and networks such as Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, UPtv, Outdoor Channel and plenty of others. Pricing for the service starts at $5.99 a month.
The first thing that I liked about the Apple TV app for Frndly TV is that it is very user-friendly and matches its iOS counterpart.
Another feature that I like is the fact that it has a “Continue Watching” section for programs that I have recently watched. It’s a feature that came day one with the new app, unlike Disney+.
Where the app struggles are with its pausing of programs and audio issues too.
When I paused something I was watching, it would stay paused for about 15-20 seconds and then immediately begin playing again. That one really stinks when you get 2-hour long phone calls like I do some nights.
The other issue that the app has is with audio. During some TV shows and movies, one scene will have normal audio and then they have another scene and it is way too loud. I don’t think this would be an issue with the channel or how it program was recorded because I have not seen the issue with other apps that also have the same on-demand programming, so it looks to be coming from the Frndly TV app.
Additionally, let’s say I said “Go back 20 seconds” into the Siri Remote. The app will not allow you to do that, which is a bummer, especially when watching a TV show or movie that you have not seen before.
However, you have to remember that this is a beta, so problems and issues with the app are to be expected. The good news is that since it is a beta, it’s only going to get better from here.
Make sure to check out our review of Frndly TV while you’re at it. It might be one of the best apps to have to watch those Hallmark Christmas movies this holiday season, or a service to get for someone that will use it to bring in the new year.
