CHANGE CHANNEL Popular Freeview box receives major free upgrade with a special trick so you never have to worry about losing the remote

 OWNERS of two popular Freeview boxes have received a free upgrade with a very useful remote control perk that should solve TV nightmares.

But you'll need to switch it on first to benefit.

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Check your box nowCredit: Amazon / Manhattan

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An issue affecting TV recordings is also fixedCredit: Amazon / Manhattan

As well as new features, the update involves some performance improvements and bug fixes.

The main feature is the ability to control your Freeview box using your phone.

In fact, it will work on any device via a web browser like Google Chrome as long as you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

This means if you ever lose your normal remote control you won't have to go without TV until you find it - and you could even avoid buying a replacement.It's just one of a load of changes to the Manhattan T4 and T4-R boxes.

To activate the web remote, you'll need to go to Settings > Browsing Options > Web Remote.

The address to enter in your browser will be displayed in this menu.

A crucial update specifically for the T4-R fixes an issue that affected recordings.The mysterious bug was triggered if a viewer changed the Standby Mode from Energy Saver to Sleep or Smart.

Manhattan also fixed another embarrassing bug for the T4-R, which allowed viewers to bypass the parental lock PIN for watershed-restricted content simply by pressing the back buttonElsewhere, for both boxes, there is a handy tweak for subtitles, which enlarges the text on HD channels when Zoom mode is engaged.

There's better alignment and visibility of icons, progress bars, and text across various menus and screens too.

To receive the upgrades, you will need to have your box connected to the internet or Wi-Fi.

As long as you have updates switched on, it should download and install automatically overnight.

But you can get the update immediately now by pressing Home on your remote, then going to Settings > System > Software Updates > Check for update now.

How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV

Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don't come cheap - and year on year subscription costs seem to go up.

Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.

And we're not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Here are some free alternatives worth trying:

• Hidden streamed channels on your TV from Samsung and LG
• Pluto TV with more than 100 extra channels
• Amazon's free alternative Freevee
• The free streaming service with more than 30,000 movies and no ads – and all you need is a library card