Roku has found another TV partner in Sharp

By Steve Smith Published May 6, 2015

If you like the idea of a Roku TV but have been reluctant to buy into a brand you’re not familiar with, then you may be interested to know that Sharp is now partnering with Roku and will soon be offering several models of TVs that run on Roku’s operating system.

Sharp is now the fourth and most recognizable TV brand to make a Roku TV, following Insignia (Best Buy’s house brand which was also just added), Hisense and TCL.

Recommended Videos

“We believe the benefits of the Roku platform combined with the superiority of the Sharp brand makes an appealing combination for consumers looking for a great smart TV experience,” said Vishnu Rao, director of technology planning for Sharp Electronics, in a press release.

The Roku TV home screen can be personalized to feature TV entertainment choices, various devices such as game consoles, cable boxes and Blu-Ray players, as well as other streaming channels like Netflix and Hulu. The service also provides access to the Roku Channel Store, which features more than 2,000 channels, with movies, TV shows, live sports and more all available.

The models will also feature Roku Feed, which informs customers when their most wanted shows and movies are available to stream and how much doing so would cost. After selecting a movie or show to follow, Roku will send automatic updates regarding when the program is available, or any changes to its status, such as a price drop.

Roku TV is controlled through a separate remote designed specifically for the platform. If you’re so inclined, you can also download the Roku TV app on any iOS or Android compatible device, which will let you cast Netflix, YouTube and other entertainment directly onto your TV.

Currently Sharp’s Roku line is limited to two TVs, both sold exclusively through Best Buy on only available for in-store pickup: a 43-inch for $380 and a 50-inch for $500. Both models are 1080p, LED sets with three HDMi inputs and one USB port.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Steve doesn’t really like to write about himself in the third person. He’s not The Rock. He is, however, a writer who has…

Topics

Audio / Video

Google shuts down massive botnet running on 1.3 million Android TV boxes

Google says the Chinese manufacturer Videostrong Technology deliberately infected its devices and sold access to cybercriminals.

Videostrong GoogleTV box

Malware infecting Android devices isn't new, but Google's recent report is grim and concerning. The search giant has taken down a massive botnet that turned over 1.3 million Android TV set-top boxes into tools for cybercriminals. Unlike the usual attacks, where users end up downloading some shady apps from the internet, the malware here was planted inside the devices by the manufacturer itself.

According to the Google Threat Intelligence Group, the company behind it is China-based Videostrong Technology. Google has now cut ties with the manufacturer and banned it from building or supplying software for certified Android devices.

Audio / Video

Audio-Technica’s new wireless StreamSet headset promises studio sound without the cables

Finally, a wireless headset that takes your voice seriously.

Audio technica new headset.

I've lost count of wireless headsets that sound great until the microphone switches on. That is exactly why a cord-free streaming headset from a studio-audio brand earns my attention (with a pinch of skepticism). Audio-Technica wants to change my mind, and I am all up for it.

The company has announced the "ATH-M50xSTS-WL," its first wireless headset in the StreamSet line. What's unique, however, is how the brand has combined the studio sound of its ATH-M50x monitor headphones with microphone tech from its 20 Series studio mics (via Audio-Technica).

Audio / Video

Samsung’s new clip-on earbuds are coming to the US, and they’re not cheap

You can listen to music without blocking out the world around you, but Samsung is charging a premium for the convenience.

Samsung Galaxy Buds On earbuds

Earlier this month, Samsung unveiled its first clip-on earbuds called the Galaxy Buds On. Initially, it announced pricing and availability details only for Korea, but now the brand has revealed them for the US market as well. As per Samsung, the Galaxy Buds On will cost $229 and will be available to buy in early November. Only one color option, Black, will be available initially.

That is quite a steep price, considering the flagship Galaxy Buds 4 Pro go for $250. The Buds On also has no active noise cancellation, weaker bass response, and lower dust and water resistance. All that said, the use case is fundamentally different. While you might choose the Buds 4 Pro as the best daily drivers for your Galaxy smartphone, the Buds On keep your ear canals open, letting you listen to music while staying aware of traffic, conversations, and everything else happening around you. I can see the appeal for people who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable, or those who regularly listen to music while running or commuting.