The shift from traditional television to streaming services continues to gain momentum without signs of slowing down. Sky has been at the forefront of this movement, introducing innovative devices like the Stream box and Glass TV that utilize broadband to deliver live and on-demand content directly to homes, eliminating the need for traditional satellite dishes. While Sky has been a dominant player in this space, other options are now emerging.
A newcomer, Freely, launched in 2024 and supported by the creators of Freeview, offers free access to popular TV shows, sports, and movies through broadband streaming. Initially, viewers required a new television with built-in Freely capabilities to access this service, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, with the recent introduction of a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, existing TVs can now access the platform.
Adding to the array of choices is Manhattan’s debut of its first Freely set-top box. Known for its popular Freeview boxes that competed with Sky Q, Manhattan is now focusing on a new streaming-only device. The Aero 4K TV Streamer, set for release in February, promises access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without the necessity of a monthly subscription. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, all content is delivered via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for aerials or satellite dishes.
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+ with approximately 400 free streaming channels and a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.
The Manhattan Aero, designed for 4K picture quality and featuring voice search capabilities, does not offer the option to record programs to a hard drive. Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan, expressed enthusiasm for the Aero’s launch, highlighting its ability to upgrade any TV with live TV, catch-up services, and streaming apps through a simple Wi-Fi connection without incurring monthly fees.
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely is set to hit the market in February 2026, priced at £69.99, and will be available at retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.
