The trend of moving from traditional TV to streaming continues to gain momentum, with Sky at the forefront introducing innovative devices 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 traditional satellite dishes. While Sky has been a key player in this space, other options are now emerging.
In 2024, Freely, a platform supported by the creators of Freeview, was introduced, offering free streaming of popular TV shows, sports, and movies over the internet. Initially, users had to have a new TV with built-in Freely to access the service, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, a recent development introduced a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, enabling existing televisions to connect to the platform.
Expanding the choices available, Manhattan has unveiled its first Freely set-top box. Known for its successful Freeview boxes comparable to Sky Q, Manhattan is now launching 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 requiring a monthly subscription. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, content is delivered via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for antennas or satellite dishes.
Operating on the acclaimed TiVo OS, the Aero not only provides access to Freely but also integrates popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, TiVo+ offers around 400 free streaming channels and a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
Designed for high-quality viewing, the Aero supports 4K resolution and includes voice search functionality, although it lacks the capability to record programs to a hard drive. Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, highlighted the convenience of the Aero in upgrading any TV without the need for replacement, making it an affordable and straightforward solution for enhanced viewing experiences.
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely is set to be released in February 2026, priced at £69.99, and will be available for purchase from retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.
