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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tivo’s streaming apps will be limited to lower-quality video at launch
Tivo announced that it would be adding streaming apps for major platforms like Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and Fire TV, but now we have news that these apps will face video quality limitations when they arrive. At launch, and for the foreseeable future, only 720p at 30 frames per second will be supported.
Roku adds premium subscription options to its Roku Channel
The Roku Channel has been offering Roku users a big collection of ad-supported content for over a year. Now, that service is being augmented through the availability of add-on premium subscriptions to services such as Starz, Showtime, and Epix. The service is expected to be available on all Roku devices within weeks.
Roku adds automatic sign-out mode, for those with regular houseguests
Being able to use a Roku device for streaming your favorite shows while staying at a hotel or Airbnb is awesome. What is less awesome is leaving yourself signed in after you leave. Thanks to a new automatic sign-out feature, this fear should become a thing of the past for both hosts and guests alike.
Sling TV offers free shows, a la carte subscription channels to Roku users
Cord cutters rejoice! If you are among a select group of Roku users, Sling TV will be giving you free TV shows and the option to subscribe to individual channels without having to subscribe to the company's base level of channels. It also has some new features for finding the content you want.
Spotify compatibility has finally returned to Roku devices
Spotify functionality has finally returned to the popular Roku streaming devices, thanks to a new software update. Other cool features coming to Roku include Pandora premium support and Google Assistant, which will slowly roll out to applicable Roku devices throughout the next several months.
Roku adds features, subtracts cost with its cheapest 4K streamer to date
It wasn’t that long ago that watching TV shows or movies in 4K resolution meant paying big bucks, but that has changed in recent years, and it now it has gotten even cheaper with the debut of the new Roku Premiere, the cheapest 4K streaming media player the company has ever produced.
JVC will begin shipping Roku TVs, likely by the end of the year
Roku TVs are a great option if you want an all-in-one entertainment solution without shelling out big bucks, and now you'll have even more options, as Roku has announced that JVC will begin producing its own Roku TV models, which will likely begin shipping by the end of the year.
Roku makes free movies and TV shows even easier to find
Roku’s streaming devices offer up a ton of free movies and TV shows, but they’re scattered across different streaming services and can be hard to find. The new “Featured Free” section ties together shows and movies across various services, making it easier than ever to find something to watch for free.
Roku TV Wireless Speakers make Roku TVs an even smarter choice
If you’re looking for simplicity, a Roku TV is great, as you get a TV with all the functionality of Roku’s streaming boxes built right into it. The company wants to make things even easier for you with its Roku TV Wireless Speakers, which pair wirelessly and make setup a snap.
Google Play Movies & TV gets new features and a fresh coat of paint on Roku
If you have a Roku streaming box or Roku-powered TV and you’re invested in the Google ecosystem, the Google Movies & TV channel is probably one of your favorites. Now the app is getting even better with an updated user interface and new features for finding movies and TV shows to watch.
Twitter kills some TV apps, but updates Windows and other support
Twitter seems to be in the midst of an evolution which involves both some deaths and rebirths. Beginning May 24, the social media company will no longer support its TV apps on Roku, Android TV, or Xbox. But if you're a Twitter Lite or Twitter for Windows user, you're in for some snazzy new updates.
Roku OS 8.1 update includes free live news, updated Roku Channel, multicast audio
Roku has announced that its next big update to the Roku OS, Roku OS 8.1, will be hitting your Roku streaming devices in the coming weeks, bringing with it a host of new features like free 24-hour news, updates to the Roku Channel, and multicast listening. ABC News Live is the main focus for the live news channels.
Hulu with Live TV has an updated UI that runs on even more platforms
Hulu with Live TV is a great option if you want to keep up on your favorite shows but still have access to Hulu’s expansive library of on-demand content. Now it’s available on even more devices, while some devices that already had the app are getting an updated user interface.
Sling TV’s Roku app gets a major upgrade, with other platforms to follow soon
Sling TV has introduced major updates to its Roku app, including the ability to upgrade your programming package inside the app.
TCL’s Alto audio line arrives at CES 2018, headlined by the Roku Soundbar
At CES 2018, TCL announced a collaboration with Roku for the first in its Alto Family of soundbars, the TCL Roku Smart Soundbar.
TCL looks to meet raised expectations with 5-Series and 6-Series televisions
TCL had a banner year in 2017, with its affordable UHD P-Series receiving high praise. Now, the 5-Series and 6-Series look to raise the bar.
Roku infiltrates soundbars and wireless speakers with its own voice assistant
Roku is expanding its reach with Roku Connect, a voice-controlled assistant and platform for soundbars, speakers, and yes, TVs.
After partnering with Roku, Philips shows off its three new smart TV models
After announcing a partnership with Roku, Philips has revealed three new Full HD television models, all boasting Roku OS 8.
Row, row, row your Roku: New streaming devices feature 4K, HDR, OTA guides
Roku reveals a complete model line makeover, Sony reveals a new PlayStation VR headset update, life on Mars (in Dubai) just got interesting.
Roku just introduced upgrades to its entire streaming lineup, plus Roku OS 8
Despite valiant attempts by Apple and Amazon to catch up in the streaming wars, Roku's newest devices look to strangle the competition.
Roku IPO a success, despite gaining little revenue from YouTube or Netflix
Roku filed for an initial public offering at the beginning of the month, and upon debut, is doing very well for itself.