A new option has emerged for households seeking TV access without ongoing fees. Freely, introduced in 2024, originally provided live channel access through select new TVs. However, recent advancements have expanded the availability of Freely to TVs by manufacturers like Hisense, Toshiba, and Sharp.
The latest development from Manhattan’s tech team introduces the Aero 4K set-top box, enabling existing TVs to access over 60 live channels and on-demand content without a subscription. Priced at £69.99, the Aero 4K also offers features like voice search, viewing recommendations, a TV guide, and live content pausing. Additionally, users can access popular streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix through the box.
Currys is the first UK retailer to offer the Manhattan Aero 4K, which quickly sold out upon release. Interested individuals can sign up on Currys’ website for alerts on restocking. The device is expected to be available through other retailers like Amazon and John Lewis soon.
Once back in stock, the Aero 4K will compete with devices such as Virgin’s Stream box and Sky Stream, all eliminating the need for traditional aerial or dish setups by delivering content over the internet. Transitioning to streaming offers benefits like simplified installation processes and regular software updates without requiring professional assistance.
As the TV landscape evolves, Freely reports a growing user base exceeding one million, indicating a trend towards streaming over conventional viewing methods.