The trend towards streaming over traditional TV continues to gain momentum without any signs of slowing down. Sky has been at the forefront of this shift, introducing devices like the Stream box and Glass TV that utilize broadband to deliver live and on-demand content directly to households, eliminating the need for a traditional satellite dish. However, while Sky has been a dominant player in this space with its award-winning hardware, other alternatives are now emerging.
One such alternative is Freely, launched in 2024 and supported by the team behind Freeview. Freely offers free access to a variety of popular TV shows, sports, and movies streamed over broadband. Initially, viewers required a new TV with built-in Freely to access this platform, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, this changed with the introduction of a Freely-compatible Pleio puck last year, allowing existing televisions to access the service.
Adding to the array of choices available is Manhattan’s debut of its first-ever Freely set-top box. Known for its popular Freeview boxes offering features similar to Sky Q, Manhattan is now shifting its focus with the launch of the Aero 4K TV Streamer in February. This new device promises access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without the need for a monthly subscription. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, all content is delivered via Wi-Fi, eliminating the requirement for an aerial or satellite dish.
The Aero operates on the renowned TiVo OS, providing users not only with access to Freely but also to popular apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it includes TiVo+, offering approximately 400 free streaming channels and a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
With support for 4K picture quality and features like voice search, the Aero offers a comprehensive streaming experience, although it does not have the capability to record programs to a hard drive.
Alex Arbab-Zadeh, COO of Manhattan, commented on the launch, stating, “Freely is an excellent new platform that delivers quality British television over broadband without monthly fees – but many TVs do not have it integrated. Aero solves this issue. Simply connect to Wi-Fi, and you have access to live TV, catch-up services, and all your favorite streaming apps. It is a straightforward and cost-effective way to enhance any TV without replacing it.”
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely will be available for purchase in February 2026, priced at £69.99, and can be found at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.
