Households looking for television options without ongoing subscription fees now have more choices available. Introduced in 2024, Freely initially provided access to live channels through a broadband connection, limited to certain new TV models. In the last 18 months, manufacturers like Hisense, Toshiba, and Sharp have expanded the range of TVs featuring Freely.
A recent development from Manhattan’s tech team introduces the Aero 4K set-top box powered by Freely, allowing any existing TV to access over 60 live channels and on-demand content for free, without requiring a costly subscription. The device offers additional features such as voice search, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the capability to pause live broadcasts. Users with subscriptions to streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix can also access these platforms through the device.
Priced at £69.99, the Manhattan Aero 4K has gained popularity, with Currys being the first UK retailer to offer it. The product quickly sold out but is expected to be restocked soon. Interested buyers can sign up on Currys’ website for alerts on availability, and other retailers like Amazon and John Lewis are anticipated to carry the product soon.
Upon restocking, the Aero 4K will compete with devices like Virgin’s Stream box and Sky Stream, which eliminate the need for traditional aerial or satellite dish setups by delivering content via the internet. Transitioning to streaming offers benefits such as easier installation without professional assistance and regular software updates.
Freely recently announced a milestone of over a million users, indicating a growing trend of viewers transitioning from traditional TV viewing methods to streaming services.
