Disney+ has a Dolby Atmos problem. Here’s what you need to know
Disney+ might be the latest and greatest streaming service, but it's not without flaws. We've discovered that not all streaming devices that have a Disney+ app are getting the best available Dolby Atmos audio content. Here are the devices that work and those that are having problems.
Roku devices crashing due to Pokémon Sword and Shield: Here’s a temporary fix
Roku device owners recently started reporting crashes, and apparently, the issue is linked to Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch. Roku said that it is aware of the issue and is working to roll out a permanent fix, but in the meantime, there is a temporary solution to the problem.
Roku app transforms Apple Watch into wearable remote control with voice commands
The Roku app is now available as a free download for the Apple Watch, enabling basic remote control functions on the wearable device's screen. The app also offers a Channel Launcher, voice search and voice command capabilities, and a way to find the Roku remote control in case it gets lost.
Roku bundles Starz and Showtime for $17 per month just ahead of Disney+ launch
With Disney+ about to make our choice for streaming subscription services both better and worse, Roku has put together a discounted deal on Starz and Showtime. If you subscribe via the Roku Channel, you can get both for $17 per month -- a $3 savings. That price is guaranteed for the life of the subscription.
Some Samsung smart TVs won’t be compatible with Netflix starting in December
Netflix subscribers with certain Samsung smart TVs won’t be able to stream their favorite binge-worthy shows on the streaming service beginning December 1. Samsung attributed the removal of Netflix from specific devices to “technical limitations."
This fantastic deal on a 55-inch TCL 4K TV won’t be around for long
Desperate for a brand-new 4K TV? Can't wait until Black Friday? Consider yourself lucky — Walmart has wiped $370 off the 55-inch TCL 6-Series, which just so happens to be our pick for the best budget television on the market right now, dropping the price down to just $530 ($52/month).
Roku OS 9.2: All the new features
Roku OS version 9.2, rolling out to users in October, powers the company’s streaming devices such as the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Ultra. It has fun new features including brand-new ways to search for your favorite films.
New Roku Ultra, Express streamers are faster and more customizable
Roku's new streaming devices include a faster and more customizable Roku Ultra, plus a slimmed-down Roku Express. And Roku OS 9.2 has some cool upgrades, like the ability to find movies with just a quoted line of dialogue and an improved user interface.
Older smart TVs and Roku devices won’t play Netflix after December 1
If you're the owner of one of Roku's first-generation devices or an older smart TV, you might be losing access to Netflix content on December 1. That's due to a technical problem that prevents these players from getting the latest version of the Netflix channel. Here's how to know if you're affected.
New Roku Streaming Stick+ adds a mute button, cuts price to just $50
Roku has quietly dropped the price on its popular Streaming Stick+ 4K HDR streaming device to just $50 -- the same price as its biggest competitor, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The move comes as Roku revamps its lineup of devices and becomes the first non-Apple streaming platform to get the Apple TV app.
Roku Express (2019) review: This $30 streamer is all you need
TVs keep getting better and so do the streaming media players that connect to them. But for those on a budget, the new Roku Express represents the perfect formula: A $30 investment that gives you every streaming service imaginable plus a way to search through all that content quickly and easily.
Apple TV app now available on select Roku devices, Apple TV+ coming November 1
The Apple TV app is now available for Roku users to download and add to their media streamers. Though not supported by all of Roku's devices -- some as recent as 2016 will not access Apple TV -- the announcement is nonetheless an important step as it also includes access to Apple TV+, Apple's subscription service.
Shades of Big Brother? Study finds smart TVs are keeping tabs on us
Turns out that our televisions may be watching us, too. A study by Princeton University found that internet-connected TVs have data trackers that collect things such as your location, what type of device you have, Wi-Fi network, and advertising ID. Another study shows that this isn't uncommon.
Roku Ultra (2019) review: Fast, flexible, fun
Roku's update to its top-of-the-line Ultra streaming media player brings with it a host of small but helpful features like customizable remote buttons, faster performance, and new search tools. It's still missing Dolby Vision support, but the $100 Roku Ultra is one of the best media streamers you can buy.
TCL starts taking pre-orders for its 4K HDR QLED 8-Series Roku TVs
TCL's top-of-the-line 8-Series 4K HDR QLED Roku TVs are finally available for pre-order, as a BestBuy exclusive. The new TVs come in 65- and 75-inch sizes starting at $1,999. In addition to Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the 8-Series uses a 25,000 mini-LED backlight for much-improved video performance.
Walmart-exclusive Roku soundbar and sub put price before performance
The new Roku Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer are great ways to add streaming smarts and better audio quality to any TV setup, but at $180 each, they're still not affordable for everyone. Walmart's exclusive versions of these products fix that, but the performance and features have taken a hit.
TCL’s 6-series Roku TVs are now on sale, with more new sets to follow in 2020
Here are the details on TCL's 2019 lineup of new TVs -- the 8-, 6-, and 5-Series -- and what they'll cost. The new 6-Series is already on sale, and the 8-series with its QLED display and a huge number of mini-LEDs, looks especially promising, but TCL is withholding the 8K versions until 2020.
Roku is coming for Netflix’s European streaming dominance
Roku may be the king of the streaming services in the U.S., but it's less well known in Europe. Now, Roku aims to change that and to challenge Netflix's European dominance. At IFA 2019, the company announced it is expanding into the European market with new Hisense TV models and a TV licensing program.
Roku Smart Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer reinvent the home-theater-in-a-box
Bringing its world-class simplicity to home theater sound, Roku has debuted two new speakers: The $180 Roku Smart Soundbar, which does double duty as a speaker and a Roku media streamer, and the $180 Wireless Subwoofer, which adds extra low-end to the soundbar, or a compatible Roku TV.
First-gen Chromecast still secure, but new features from Google are unlikely
Google's first-gen Chromecast is now 6 years old and it appears that it is beginning to near the end of its life. A report indicates that the HDMI streaming dongle will no longer be getting new versions of the Chrome browser that powers its feature set, though Google has committed to doing security updates for now.
Roku Channel adds a section just for kids, gives parents more control
The ever-expanding Roku Channel -- Roku's all-in-one free and paid online streaming service -- now has a section featuring kid-friendly programming from both ad-supported and subscription sources. It comes with a new way for parents to control what their kids watch in the form of a PIN-based filtering system.
Walmart cuts the price of the 55-inch TCL 4K 5-Series Roku TV to $378
HDR displays heighten a picture’s dynamic range and deliver darks and brights that are more pronounced. That is why 4K HDR TVs are very expensive because of their impressive picture quality. Then along came brands like TCL and Vizio, offering 4K TVs for less. You can get the 55-inch TCL 5-Series Roku TV for just $380.
The Roku Channel gets five new channels, including the free Fubo Sports Network
The Roku Channel is a great place to search for a variety of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows -- especially handy for cord-cutters who miss their cable subscriptions. But it also has a great collection of free livestreaming options. These now include more sports, news, and comedy, bringing the total to 30.
Best Buy drops $500 off the TCL 75-inch 6-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku TV
Are you planning to upgrade your living room experience to a much larger 4K TV screen, but cannot decide which one to buy? The TCL 75-inch 6 Series Smart 4K UHD with HDR Roku TV is currently discounted by a huge $500 on Best Buy, dropping to an awesome $1,300 from its original $1,800 price tag.
How Amazon and Google’s streaming feud helped make Roku the streaming king
Amazon and Google are finally playing nice when it comes to streaming, with YouTube now available on Fire TV devices, and Amazon Prime Video available on Chromecast. Here's how remaining agnostic has helped Roku become the maker of the most popular streaming video device manufacturer.
Save $10 on a Roku Streaming Stick+ and get 30 days of Sling for free
If you've been debating about cutting the cord, Walmart has a great Memorial Day deal on the 4K HDR-ready Roku Streaming Stick+, which combines a sale with a free month of Sling (a $40 value), saving you $50 altogether. The Roku Streaming Stick+ won our Editor's Choice award in that category.
Walmart deal drops the price of the 55-inch TCL 4K Roku smart TV to just $338
Was last weekend's Game of Thrones streaming experience lacking? Look no further than this 55-inch TCL TV, which features built-in Roku functionality, and can be had at Walmart for just $338. With 4K resolution and high dynamic range, your favorite new shows will have never looked as vibrant.
Roku OS 9.1 update alters voice search to prioritize The Roku Channel
The Roku OS 9.1 release adds new and updated features to its streaming devices and Roku TVs, including a new voice-search feature that appears to prioritize TV shows and movies on its Roku Channel above other services. The update will roll out to a large selection of devices in the coming weeks.
You can now stream HBO, Showtime, and Starz in a single Roku app
It'll be easier than ever to find the new season of Game of Thrones on Roku. The company has added HBO to the Roku Channel on its devices, finally allowing owners of its popular streaming devices to stream programming from the premium cable giant in the same app as Showtime, Starz, and other services.
MGM’s Epix Now service is now available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV
MGM's Epix Now, a streaming platform that combines all four of its live TV channels, and a huge catalog of thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows, is now available on Amazon Fire TV and Roku, making it easier than ever to stream your favorite films and TV shows from the studio.
TCL drops the price of its 75-inch 6-Series 4K Roku TV to $1,500
March is a great time for TV deals and we've got a whopper: TCL has taken $300 off the price of its superb 75-inch 6-Series 4K HDR Roku TV, making it $1,500. It's a limited-time deal on the lowest price for this model, and only available while supplies last, so don't delay.
How to connect a Roku to your hotel room’s TV
Staying at a hotel, but can't bear to be parted from your favorite streaming shows and movies? Take them with you with our complete guide to using your Roku on the road when staying at a hotel. Find out how to get around tricky Wi-Fi networks, get connected, and start watching.
Airplay 2 will come to Roku devices as Apple-Roku deal is reportedly finalized
Roku has reportedly finalized a deal with Apple that will provide the streaming video device maker access to Apple's Airplay 2 protocol. This means iOS and Mac users can stream their favorite content to Roku devices with unprecedented ease, and may cause some potential Apple TV buyers to look elsewhere.
Bark commands at Alexa and your Roku will respond, unless you want Netflix
Current-generation Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs can now be controlled by Amazon's Alexa, if you have a compatible Alexa device, like the Echo or Dot. Google Assistant was added to the platform in 2018. Unfortunately for Netflix fans, neither A.I. can directly access Netflix content on a Roku.