Sky’s shift towards streaming continues unabated, with innovations like the Stream box and Glass TV utilizing broadband for live and on-demand content delivery to homes, bypassing traditional satellite dishes. While Sky has been a prominent player in this realm, new options are emerging.

One such alternative is Freely, introduced in 2024 and supported by the creators of Freeview. It offers free streaming of popular TV programs, sports events, and movies over broadband. Initially, viewers required 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 access on existing televisions.

Adding to the array of choices is Manhattan’s debut of its inaugural Freely set-top box. Manhattan, renowned for its Freeview boxes akin to Sky Q, is now venturing into streaming-exclusive devices. The Aero 4K TV Streamer, set for release in February, will grant access to 60 live TV channels and over 75,000 hours of on-demand content without any monthly fees. Similar to Sky’s Stream box, all content is transmitted via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for antennas or satellite dishes.

Operated by the award-winning TiVo OS, the Aero not only supports Freely but also provides access to popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it incorporates TiVo+, offering approximately 400 free streaming channels along with a vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows.

Emphasizing its 4K capabilities, the Aero ensures high-quality picture and includes voice search functionality, although it lacks the ability to record programs to a hard drive.

Manhattan’s COO, Alex Arbab-Zadeh, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, highlighting Aero’s role in simplifying access to Freely and streaming apps for all TVs. Priced at £69.99, the Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely will hit the market in February 2026, available at major retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon.