The shift from traditional television to streaming services continues to gain momentum, with Sky leading the way through innovative products like the Stream box and Glass TV. These devices utilize broadband to deliver a mix of live and on-demand content directly to viewers’ homes, eliminating the need for satellite dishes.
Adding to the array of options available, Freely, introduced in 2024 with the support of the Freeview team, offers free access to a variety of popular TV programs, sports events, and movies streamed over the internet. Initially, access to this platform required a new TV with Freely integrated, but a recent development introduced a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, allowing existing TVs to access the service.
Expanding the choices further, Manhattan has introduced its first-ever Freely set-top box. Known for its successful Freeview boxes akin to Sky Q features, Manhattan is now shifting focus with the launch of the Aero 4K TV Streamer in February. This device promises access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without any monthly subscription fees, all delivered via Wi-Fi without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
Powered by the acclaimed TiVo OS, the Aero not only provides access to Freely but also supports popular apps like 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.
The Aero, designed for 4K picture quality, features voice search functionality but lacks the capability to record programs to a hard drive. Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, emphasized the simplicity and affordability of the Aero, stating that it offers a seamless way to enhance any TV without replacement by simply connecting to Wi-Fi.
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely is set to launch in February 2026, priced at £69.99, and will be available from various retailers, including Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.