An upcoming Roku OS software update for the company's media players will enable compatibility with Apple's AirPlay 2 peer-to-peer media streaming technology.
Roku media players to gain AirPlay 2 support via an upcoming Roku OS software update
Roku
YouTube TV apps for Apple TV, Roku and older Smart TVs have been delayed until early 2018
Google has confirmed that the official apps for its over-the-top YouTube TV service for Apple TV, Roku and older Smart TVs have been delayed until the first quarter of next year.
Roku announces $70 4K HDR streaming stick and other new hardware
Roku on Monday announced 5 new streaming devices to better compete with the Apple TV, Amazon's Fire TV, and other competitors. The devices include a $30 Roku Express, a $70 4K HDR Streaming Stick+, and the $100 Roku Ultra, and they are all available for pre-order now, with an official launch date of October 8.
The Roku and Roku Express+ cost $30 and $40 respectively, and are perfect for those looking to stream to the TV for the first time, or looking to extend their current Roku experience to other TVs. They're very similar devices, but the Express+ has both HDMI and composite A/V output for more connectivity options.
The Roku Streaming Stick features a quad-core processor and 802.11 AC dual-band MIMO wireless, a voice remote that includes TV power and volume buttons, and it streams in HD. It costs $50. The Streaming Stick+ adds faster wireless and support for 4K Ultra HD and HDR (60 FPS), and it will set you back $70.
Finally, the Roku Ultra is the company's most powerful and feature-packed media player. It too can stream HD, 4K and 4K HDR, and it also includes an ethernet port for wired connectivity, a micro SD slot, and a new voice remote with headphone jack for private listening. The Ultra is obviously the most expensive, priced at $100.
The hardware announcements come just days after Amazon unveiled its $70 4K HDR media streamer, and shortly after Apple debuted the 4K Apple TV at $180. Roku says what sets its platform apart is that it offers unbiased access to over 5,000 channels, apps, games, and the newly-launched Roku channel.
Source: Roku
Gap between Roku and Apple TV is widening
A lot has changed since a Frost & Sullivan Consumer Video Devices Market report last August determined that Apple’s $99 Apple TV was the most-used set-top box in terms of content streaming, owning a whopping 56 percent share of streaming device sales, more than twice the share of the #2 Roku, which took 26 percent share of sales.
A month later, Roku said its set-top box was more popular for streaming than Apple TV and now a report from researcher Parks Associates reveals that a gap between Roku's and Apple's device is widening...
Roku CEO unfazed by talk of new Apple, Amazon TV boxes
With Amazon expected to unveil a new set-top box device next week, and Apple rumored to have a new TV product of its own in the wings, you have to wonder if the folks over at Roku are concerned at all about their business. Well if they are, they certainly aren't showing it.
Roku CEO Anthony Wood joined Peter Kafka on stage last night for an interview at the inaugural Code/Media event, and he appeared unfazed by the news that Amazon will likely be encroaching on his turf. He also didn't seem too worried about Apple's future television plans...
Amazon said to be launching its set-top box next week
Following reports from last week that Amazon is planning to launch its long-awaited Apple TV competitor in next month, Amazon has sent out invites for a media event scheduled for April 2nd. The invitations ask that reporters join the company for an 'update' on its video business.
And according to a new report from Recode, the e-commerce giant is going to use the event to unveil a new set-top box device. Citing sources familiar with Amazon's plans, the outlet says the device will be capable of streaming media to TV sets, competing directly with Apple and Roku...
Roku for iPhone gets facelift, introduces content search and more
Roku has finally updated its companion iPhone app for the company's set-top box with a brand new design, ability to search through your content and a few bug fixes and other enhancements.
The new look, a radical departure from the previous design, feels more at home with iOS 7's flatness and is easier to use thanks to streamlined navigation.
As for search, you can sift through your content by entering a movie, show, actor or director information.
"When you settle on something to watch, choose from the available services and jump right into the Channel, ready to watch," Roku writes in iTunes release notes accompanying the 3.5MB download.
The freshly updated app is now live in the App Store...
Roku announces new $50 Apple TV, Chromecast competitor ‘Streaming Stick’
As the race for the living room heats up, and rumors of an upcoming Apple TV refresh continue to swirl, Roku has announced its latest entry into the space called the Streaming Stick. The $50 accessory plugs into the HDMI port of your TV and streams a variety of content.
Looking at its size and price tag, the Streaming Stick seems like a direct competitor to Google's Chromecast. But the device features a remote control and on-screen navigational menus, which puts its functionality close to Roku's set-top box, and more on par with Apple TV...
Roku says its set-top box is more popular for streaming than Apple TV
A month ago, Frost & Sullivan Consumer Video Devices Market report singled out Apple's $99 Apple TV as the most-used set-top box in terms of content streaming. Specifically, the Apple TV claimed the commanding 56 percent share of streaming device sales, more than twice the share of the #2 Roku, which took 26 percent share of sales.
Not content with its ranking, Roku today cited another research to prove its box is the leading streaming platform...
Roku updates iPhone app with AirPlay-like content streaming
Good news, Roku set-top box users! A significant update to Roku's iOS app has just been issued, enabling an AirPlay-like functionality that works with photos, music and iOS video content. In a nutshell, a new Play on Roku feature works similar to AirPlay, a media streaming technology from Apple. The freshly updated app can now stream content stored on an iPhone, iPad or iPod directly to a bunch of Roku's set-top box products. Jump past the fold for more information...
Apple TV vs. Roku vs. Chromecast content options
On Wednesday this week, Google unveiled a handful of new products. There's the second generation Nexus 7 tablet, Android 4.3, and the Chromecast TV dongle. The latter has proved rather popular, selling out in most online stores within the first 72 hours.
The accessory is very similar to the Apple TV, or the Roku box, as it lets you stream Internet content to your television. That content varies, however, depending on which product you go with. So we thought this breakdown of their differences was worth a look...
Vevo wants to become the next MTV, launches always-on broadcast channel
Today at SXSW, Vevo announced a 24/7 channel coming to your traditional television via the Roku set-top box and the Xbox gaming console, but also to the Vevo web site and mobile platforms like Apple's iOS, Google's Android, Microsoft's Windows Phone. As you know, Vevo streams official music videos licensed from record labels, both through its web site and via a dedicated YouTube channel, where most of its 52 million monthly uniques come from.
Vevo's mobile apps will be updated with an around-the-clock curated experience of original programming, including live concerts and television shows. The experience is being described as multicast, meaning everyone gets to watch the same programming at the exact same time, regardless of the platform they're accessing it from. Vevo TV will even feature a 24-hour schedule of static programming blocks, just like your regular dumb-ified tube...