Skip to main content

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

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.

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Marvel Rivals turns Overwatch into the Earth’s mightiest superhero shooter
A lot of heroes fight in Marvel Rivals

The “hero shooter” is a popular competitive multiplayer game subgenre where players control characters with powerful preset abilities rather than a customizable loadout. Although "hero" is right there in the subgenre name, and Overwatch proved how well superheroes could work with the concept, we haven't gotten a true attempt at this style of game from Marvel or DC.

Marvel Rivals is out to change that, starting with its first open alpha this May.

Read more
Open Roads is a short family drama video game that leaves a big impact
Tess and Opal ride in a car in Open Roads.

Sometimes, it takes a tragedy to connect with your family.

That idea kicks off Open Roads, the latest indie published by Annapurna Interactive. The short narrative adventure begins with Tess, a young adult growing up in the wake of September 11, 2001, sorting through her grandmother’s belongings after she passes away. That somber process gives way to a domestic mystery that sends Tess and her mother, Opal, on a road trip to discover the family’s secret past.

Read more
This beloved feature almost ruined Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Link looking shocked holding rice.

“Development is going to be chaos.”

That was the reaction of Takahiro Takayama, lead physics engineer on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, when he saw the first prototypes for two of the game’s abilities: Ultrahand and Fuse. The seasoned engineer, who led the physics system on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as well, knew that this type of physics system was uncharted territory.

Read more