A new option has emerged for households seeking TV access without monthly fees. Introduced in 2024, Freely initially provided live channel access through a broadband connection on select new TVs. However, in the past 18 months, additional TV brands like Hisense, Toshiba, and Sharp have integrated Freely into their screens. Until now, viewers interested in live and on-demand content via Freely had to purchase a new television from a tech retailer.
To address this, Manhattan’s technology team has launched the Aero 4K set-top box, enabling any existing TV to access Freely services. This device offers over 60 free live channels and on-demand content sans costly subscriptions.
The Aero 4K boasts features like voice search, viewing recommendations, a comprehensive TV guide, and the ability to pause live programming. Subscribers to platforms like Disney+ and Netflix can also access these apps through the box.
Priced at £69.99, the Aero 4K has gained popularity. Currys is the first UK retailer to offer the device, currently sold out but expected to restock soon. Interested buyers can sign up on Currys’ website for restock alerts, with Amazon and John Lewis also planning to sell the product.
Once available, the Aero 4K will compete with devices such as Virgin’s Stream box and Sky Stream, eliminating the need for aerials or dishes by delivering content via the internet.
Streaming offers benefits like easy installation without engineer visits and frequent software updates. Freely reports over a million users, a number likely to rise as more viewers transition from traditional to streaming methods.