What you need to know:

• Freeview Australia has launched an update to its existing app, allowing users to search for content across every linear and BVOD provider.
• The rollout will commence on April 14, with an expected completion date of May 12.

Australians will be able to search through thousands of hours of free-to-air television more easily, as Freeview Australia launches an app that integrates broadcast and on-demand broadcast video on-demand (BVOD) services. 

The new Freeview product will compile available free-to-air (FTA) content from 35 channels, and will allow information about more than 50,000 free and on-demand programs and episodes. 

The HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) service, which will be rolled out from April 14, will allow its audience to search for content across ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 play without the need to download individual broadcaster apps.

It has been built on new HbbTV 2.0 devices but will be fully compatible with all Freeview-certified HbbTV 1.5 devices dating back to 2014. The rollout of the app will be completed by May 12.

As well as the new app, Freeview has revealed a new brand identity, which consolidates the Freeview branding under one logo - the first rebranding since Freeview launched in 2008. 

Helen Clifton, Freeview Chair and the ABC's Chief Digital & Information Officer, said the new app would mean Australians could take advantage of quality FTA content. 

“The launch of a new gateway for TV viewing also means Freeview can take advantage of the latest technologies and bring audiences an improved and richer interactive experience which will help drive the industry forward," she said.