The landscape of television consumption in the United Kingdom continues its rapid evolution, with a significant new development set to enhance access to free streaming content for households nationwide. Next month marks the arrival of an innovative set-top box that promises to democratise how viewers engage with live broadcasts and on-demand entertainment without the burden of recurring fees.
A New Era for Free Television Streaming
The transition from traditional broadcast methods to internet-based delivery has been accelerating, with major players like Sky pioneering devices such as the Stream box and Glass TV. These solutions leverage broadband connections to pipe content directly into living rooms, eliminating the need for satellite dishes or aerials. However, the market is becoming increasingly diverse, offering consumers more alternatives than ever before.
Introducing the Freely Platform and Manhattan's Contribution
Freely, a platform announced in 2024 and supported by the creators behind Freeview, provides complimentary access to a wide array of popular television programmes, sporting events, and cinematic releases streamed over broadband. Initially, accessing Freely required purchasing a new television with the technology integrated, which posed a limitation for many viewers. This barrier began to dissolve late last year with the introduction of the Freely-compatible Pleio puck, extending the service to existing TV sets.
Now, Manhattan, a company renowned for its highly successful Freeview boxes that once rivalled features of Sky Q, is entering the streaming arena with its first dedicated Freely set-top device. The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer is scheduled for launch in February 2026, positioning itself as a compelling option for those seeking to upgrade their viewing experience without ongoing costs.
Key Features and Capabilities of the Aero Streamer
The Aero 4K TV Streamer delivers access to approximately 60 live television channels and an extensive library exceeding 75,000 hours of on-demand content, all without any monthly subscription charges. Similar to Sky's Stream box, it operates entirely over Wi-Fi, removing the necessity for external aerials or satellite dishes. This makes it an exceptionally convenient solution for modern households.
Operating on the acclaimed TiVo OS, the device not only integrates the Freely platform but also supports popular streaming applications such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube. Additionally, it includes TiVo+, which offers around 400 free streaming channels alongside a substantial collection of on-demand films and television series.
As the name implies, the Aero supports 4K Ultra High Definition picture quality and incorporates voice search functionality for ease of navigation. It is important to note, however, that the device does not include a hard drive for recording programmes, focusing instead on streaming capabilities.
Executive Insight and Market Availability
Alex Arbab-Zadeh, Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan, commented on the launch, stating: "Freely is a brilliant new platform that delivers great British telly over broadband with no monthly bills – but many TVs don’t have it built in. Aero fixes that. Just connect to Wi-Fi and you’ve got live TV, catch-up and all your favourite streaming apps. It’s a simple, affordable way to upgrade any TV without replacing it."
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely will be available for purchase from February 2026, priced at £69.99. It will be stocked by leading retailers including Currys, John Lewis, and Amazon, ensuring wide accessibility for consumers across the UK.
This launch represents a significant step forward in the ongoing shift towards flexible, cost-effective television viewing options, providing households with a robust alternative to subscription-based services and traditional broadcast methods.
