Roku 2 launches with Angry Birds, subtitles, 1080p Netflix, EpixHD

By Mike Flacy July 19, 2011

roku-2-angry-birds — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Centered out of Saratoga, California, Roku is announcing the release of the fourth generation of Roku players on July 20. Dubbed the Roku 2, this revision of the hardware brings a smaller form factor to the media streamer as well as a plethora of new content including gaming. Similar to the last round of players, Roku launches with three versions of the Roku 2; the Roku 2 HD ($59.99), the Roku 2 XD ($79.99), and the Roku 2 XS ($99.99). In addition to the new boxes, a Bluetooth, 6-axis motion-controlling remote (similar to a Wii controller) is packaged with the top-of-the-line XS model to interact with games like Angry Birds.

Angry Birds is available immediately with a purchase of the Roku 2. Other Angry Birds games like Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio are in the works along with Galaga and Pac-Man CE from Namco. The controller is going to be available for purchase separately at $29.99 and is bundled with a 2GB MicroSD card. Games are likely to be sold through the existing Roku channel marketplace.

Roku is also expanding the channel selection by increasing to over 300 channels, both with new video content and social networking applications. EpixHD is being added to the Roku service to provide feature films from MGM Studios, Lionsgate and Paramount. AOL HD and Fox News are also on the list for new video providers. Facebook is getting a new channel for access to user accounts and high definition pictures as well as support for Facebook’s video player. Netflix is receiving a major upgrade that includes 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus support in addition to subtitles for the hearing-impaired.

The new models are also more power efficient and draw only 2 watts in standby mode during the day (4 watts for the third generation). All three models will feature the MicroSD slot for expanded memory for additional gaming storage. With the release of the Roku 2, the company expects to reach 3 million homes by the end of the year.

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Gaming

The best iPhone emulators

A collage of the delta emulator.

The market for iPhone games has become so wide and diverse that it can realistically compete with most console and PC offerings. Where we once only got cheap time-wasters, we now have complete experiences that don't feel any less impressive than what the competition offers. In fact, a lot of games made for consoles are appearing on the iPhone now that it is becoming so powerful. However, older games have paradoxically been mostly absent from the app store. That all could be about to change as emulation is now allowed on iPhone, though with some caveats that any retro fan should know about before getting too excited to play all your favorite NES games on your phone. Here's what's up with iPhone emulators, as well as our picks for a few of the best ones you can get right now.
What you need to know about emulation on iPhone
Emulators on iPhone, as well as emulation in general, are in a strange legal gray zone. Previously, the only way to get an emulator on your iPhone was through some workarounds that generally involved jailbreaking your phone, That differs from Android, which has enjoyed native emulators for years. In 2024, Apple updated its App Store guidelines to allow for emulators on its store, but with some important restrictions.

Here's the exact wording: "Apps may offer certain software that is not embedded in the binary, specifically HTML5 mini apps and mini games, streaming games, chatbots, and plug-ins. Additionally, retro game console emulator apps can offer to download games. You are responsible for all such software offered in your app, including ensuring that such software complies with these guidelines and all applicable laws. Software that does not comply with one or more guidelines will lead to the rejection of your app. You must also ensure that the software adheres to the additional rules that follow in 4.7.1 and 4.7.5. These additional rules are important to preserve the experience that App Store customers expect, and to help ensure user safety."

Gaming

Cities: Skylines 2 devs offer DLC refunds as console ports get delayed

A screenshot from Cities: Skylines 2's Beach Properties DLC.

Cities: Skylines 2 developer Colossal Order confirmed that it will be offering refunds to people who purchased the Beach Properties DLC, adding more content to the Ultimate Edition version of the game, delaying the launch of Cities: Skylines 2's console ports and its first expansion, and focusing on free updates and patches in the short term.

It did so while making a massive apology in the wake of the PC city-builder's messy launch and first DLC release. When Cities: Skylines 2 initially released last October, it was very unpolished and felt a bit inferior to the original Cities: Skylines. At the time, I wrote, "It’s OK to wait until the game is a little more stable and has as vibrant a community as its predecessor." Although Colossal Order has been patching the game, it reignited ire against the city-builder in March by releasing a $10 Beach Properties DLC, an underwhelming asset pack that didn't even add beaches to the game.

Gaming

How to start the Rising Tide DLC in Final Fantasy 16

Rising Tide DLC

Final Fantasy 16's base adventure is already a long and winding tale full of intrigue, but that doesn't mean there isn't more story to be told in its world. Like the Echoes of the Fallen DLC before it, The Rising Tide DLC serves as an additional journey for Clive and company to undertake, providing players the opportunity to discover various all-new enemies, locations, and characters. This fresh content even includes Leviathan as a new Eikon for Clive to encounter, making it a must-play for completionists hoping to experience everything in the game. If you're wondering how to start The Rising Tide DLC, look no further — we'll tell you how to do so below.
How to start The Rising Tide DLC in Final Fantasy 16
To access The Rising Tide DLC in Final Fantasy 16, you'll first need to be sure you've purchased and downloaded the content. You can buy The Rising Tide as a standalone DLC for $15 or as part of the Expansion Pass, which also includes the Echoes of the Fallen DLC, for $25.

Once you've purchased and downloaded the DLC, however, there's more you'll need to do before you can start tackling the new content in The Rising Tide. For starters, you'll need to have unlocked Origin as a destination on the world map, which requires you to be at the end of the main campaign. You'll also have to complete the two sidequests, "Where There's a Will" and "Priceless," for Joshua and Jill, respectively. After clearing those quests, you can finally head to Clive's quarters at the Hideaway and check the missives table. There, you'll find an unmarked letter that lets you begin a new quest called “The Rising Tide."