The shift from traditional television to streaming continues to gain momentum, with Sky leading the way through innovative devices like the Stream box and Glass TV. These devices leverage broadband technology to deliver live and on-demand content directly to viewers’ homes, eliminating the need for old-fashioned satellite dishes. While Sky has been a major player in this space, other options are now emerging.
One such option is Freely, launched in 2024 with support from the Freeview team. Freely provides free access to popular TV shows, sports, and movies streamed over broadband. Initially, viewers had to purchase a new TV with Freely built-in to access the platform, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, a recent development introduced a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, allowing existing televisions to access the service.
Adding to the array of choices available to consumers, Manhattan has introduced its first-ever Freely set-top box. Known for its Freeview boxes similar to Sky Q, Manhattan is now focusing on a new streaming-only device called the Aero 4K TV Streamer. Set to launch in February, this device offers access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without requiring a monthly subscription. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, content is delivered over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for traditional aerials or satellite dishes.
The Aero operates on the award-winning TiVo OS, granting users access not only to Freely but also to popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it features TiVo+, which offers approximately 400 free streaming channels and a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
Designed for high-quality viewing, the Aero supports 4K picture resolution and includes voice search functionality, although it does not allow for recording programs to a hard drive.
Alex Arbab-Zadeh, COO of Manhattan, commented on the launch, stating, “Freely is an excellent new platform that delivers top British television over broadband without monthly fees – however, many TVs do not come with it built-in. Aero solves this issue. By simply connecting to Wi-Fi, users can access live TV, catch-up services, and all their favorite streaming apps. It offers a straightforward, cost-effective way to enhance any TV without the need for replacement.”
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely is set to be released in February 2026 at a price of £69.99, and it will be available at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.