A new option has emerged for households seeking to access television content without the burden of monthly fees. Introduced in 2024, Freely initially provided live channel access through specific new TV models. However, in the last 18 months, the availability of Freely has expanded to include TVs from manufacturers like Hisense, Toshiba, and Sharp.
Recently, Manhattan’s technology team unveiled the Aero 4K, a new set-top box powered by Freely, allowing any existing TV in a home to access over 60 live channels and on-demand content for free, eliminating the need for costly subscriptions.
The Aero 4K device offers features such as voice search, personalized recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live programming. Additionally, users can access popular streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix through the device.
Priced at £69.99, the Aero 4K has quickly gained popularity. Currys, the first UK retailer to offer the Manhattan Aero 4K, reported it as “out of stock” shortly after its release. However, the device is expected to be restocked soon, with interested buyers encouraged to sign up for alerts on the Currys website.
Upon replenishment, the Aero 4K will compete with similar devices like Virgin’s Stream box and Sky Stream, all of which deliver content over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional aerials or dishes.
Transitioning to streaming services offers advantages such as simplified setup processes without the need for professional installation and regular software updates delivered over the air.
The television landscape is evolving rapidly, with Freely recently surpassing one million users. This trend is expected to continue as more individuals embrace streaming platforms over traditional viewing methods.