Sky has been a pioneer in the shift from traditional TV to streaming, offering innovative devices like the Stream box and Glass TV. These devices use broadband to deliver live and on-demand content directly to homes, eliminating the need for a traditional satellite dish. While Sky has been a dominant player in this space, new options are emerging.
One such option is Freely, introduced in 2024 by the creators of Freeview. Freely provides free access to popular TV shows, sports, and movies through broadband streaming. Initially, viewers required a new TV with built-in Freely to access the platform, which was somewhat inconvenient. However, a recent development introduced a Freely-compatible Pleio puck, enabling access on existing televisions.
Adding to the array of choices is Manhattan, unveiling its inaugural Freely set-top box. Known for its successful Freeview boxes akin to Sky Q, Manhattan is now focusing on a streaming-only device 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 the need for a monthly subscription. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, all content is delivered via Wi-Fi, eliminating the necessity for an aerial or satellite dish.
Powered by the acclaimed TiVo OS, the Aero not only offers access to Freely but also supports popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it includes TiVo+, featuring around 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 ability to record programs to a hard drive. Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the Aero’s capability to upgrade any TV affordably and easily by connecting to Wi-Fi for live TV, catch-up, and favorite streaming apps.
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely will be available for purchase in February 2026 at £69.99 from retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.