The shift from traditional television to streaming continues to gain momentum as Sky introduces innovative devices like the Stream box and Glass TV. These devices utilize broadband to deliver live and on-demand content directly to homes, eliminating the need for conventional satellite dishes. While Sky has been a major player in this space, new alternatives are emerging.
Enter Freely, a platform announced in 2024 and supported by the creators of Freeview, offering free access to a variety of popular TV shows, sports, and movies streamed over broadband. Initially, users required a new TV with built-in Freely functionality, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, a recent development introduced a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, enabling access to the service on existing televisions.
Now, Manhattan has joined the fray by unveiling its inaugural Freely set-top box. Known for its successful Freeview boxes similar to Sky Q, Manhattan is shifting its focus with the launch of the Aero 4K TV Streamer in February. This device provides access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without the need for a monthly subscription. Like Sky’s Stream box, the Aero delivers content over Wi-Fi, eliminating the necessity for an aerial or satellite dish.
Powered by the acclaimed TiVo OS, the Aero not only grants access to Freely but also supports popular apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it features TiVo+, offering approximately 400 free streaming channels and a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
True to its name, the Aero boasts 4K picture quality and incorporates voice search functionality, although it does not include the capability to record programs to a hard drive.
In a statement regarding the launch, Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted the benefits of the Aero, stating, “Freely is an excellent new platform that delivers top-quality British television over broadband without monthly fees – but not all TVs come equipped with it. Aero addresses this issue by providing live TV, catch-up services, and popular streaming apps with a simple Wi-Fi connection, offering a cost-effective solution to upgrade any TV without replacement.”
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely is set to hit the market in February 2026, priced at £69.99, and will be available for purchase from retailers like Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.