How Amazon and Google’s streaming feud helped make Roku the streaming king
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.
Google-Amazon truce brings YouTube to Fire TV, Prime Video to Chromecast
Google-Amazon truce brings YouTube to Fire TV, Prime Video to Chromecast
After a yearslong battle, Amazon and Google have finally made peace over their two main video products: Prime Video and YouTube. The YouTube app is coming to Fire TV devices, while the Prime Video app on mobile devices will get support for Chromecast devices, as well as compatibility with a range of Android TV products.
DirecTV Now vs. Sling TV: Which live TV streaming service is better?
DirecTV Now vs. Sling TV: Which live TV streaming service is better?
With an increasing number of live TV streaming services competing for cord cutters' dollars, it's getting harder to decide which one you should use. We take some of that guesswork away by comparing two of the biggest companies, AT&T's DirecTV Now and Dish's Sling TV, to see which one comes out on top.
Walmart deal drops the price of the 55-inch TCL 4K Roku smart TV to just $338
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.
Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Which live TV streaming service is right for you?
Sling TV vs. YouTube TV: Which live TV streaming service is right for you?
As more and more people decide to cut the cord, the inevitable question is, which live TV streaming service should I use to get my favorite channels back? We take the long-time fan favorite, Sling TV and match it up against newcomer YouTube TV, feature for feature, to see which service comes out on top.
Roku OS 9.1 update alters voice search to prioritize The Roku Channel
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
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.
Newly discovered code hints at future Apple Music Chromecast support
Newly discovered code hints at future Apple Music Chromecast support
A few new lines of code found in the latest release of Apple Music for Android has some speculating that Chromecast (and Google Home) compatibility may be in the not-so-distant future for Apple's streaming music service. It's a move that would be consistent with many of its other recent announcements.
MGM’s Epix Now service is now available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV
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
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.
You can now watch four PlayStation Vue streams at once on a single Apple TV
You can now watch four PlayStation Vue streams at once on a single Apple TV
PlayStation Vue subscribers can now watch March Madness in style via Apple TV, which can now stream up for four separate games to your TV at once, making it easier than ever to catch all the on-court action from a single living room. If there's a better way to keep your bracket updated, we haven't found it.
Airplay 2 will come to Roku devices as Apple-Roku deal is reportedly finalized
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
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.
Apple gives sports fans a live TV option with the addition of FuboTV
Apple gives sports fans a live TV option with the addition of FuboTV
Until late last year, Apple's TV app for iOS and tvOS had no live TV streaming partners. Then PlayStation Vue joined in. Now, users of the app have a second choice: The sports-centric FuboTV service. FuboTV was the first live TV streaming service to support 4K HDR, making it a good fit for Apple's 4K box.
Tivo’s streaming apps will be limited to lower-quality video at launch
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
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
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
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.
Samsung’s Remote Access feature will connect its smart TVs to PCs, phones, more
Samsung’s Remote Access feature will connect its smart TVs to PCs, phones, more
Samsung announced that it will be introducing a brand new feature for smart TVs in 2019: Remote Access. The feature will use wireless connectivity to allow smart TVs to connect to PCs, tablets, and smartphones and will allow users to remotely control programs or apps from their Samsung TV.
Roku Wireless Speakers review
Roku Wireless Speakers review
Roku boldly steps into audio with its new Roku Wireless Speakers, an affordable, tailor-made sound solution for your Roku TV. But do they hold up under sonic scrutiny? We put them to the test to find out if these speakers are worth choosing over a soundbar or other audio solution.
Google Chromecast returns to Amazon just in time for the holiday shopping crunch
Google Chromecast returns to Amazon just in time for the holiday shopping crunch
It's been a chilly few years between Google and Amazon, with each company taking increasingly nasty shots at the other. But things may be improving. Just in time for the holiday shopping crunch, you can now buy two versions of Google's Chromecast on Amazon, something that hasn't be possible since 2015.
Spotify compatibility has finally returned to Roku devices
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 Premiere+ (2018) review
Roku Premiere+ (2018) review
When it comes to streaming devices, the sheer volume of choices these days can be daunting, and Roku has more models than anyone. While you really can’t go wrong with any Roku, the company’s new Premiere+ stands out in the crowd, expertly balancing affordability and performance for impressive value.
Google’s Chromecast gets a minor update and bundle options, but not much else
Google’s Chromecast gets a minor update and bundle options, but not much else
It seemed certain that Google would unveil an updated Chromecast during its October 9 Made by Google event, but while a new Chromecast is now available for purchase, it’s suddenly very easy to see why Google didn’t see fit to give the updated streaming media player any stage time at its big event.
PlayStation Vue adds more than 500 local affiliate stations across the U.S.
PlayStation Vue adds more than 500 local affiliate stations across the U.S.
While most of the focus of live TV streaming services remains on national networks, local channels are also important, especially if you still like to catch up on local news on your TV, and now PlayStation Vue has upped the number of local affiliate stations it offers to more than 540.
Roku adds features, subtracts cost with its cheapest 4K streamer to date
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
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.
Google has a new Chromecast on the way, but don’t expect a major leap forward
Google has a new Chromecast on the way, but don’t expect a major leap forward
An FCC filing by Google shows that the company is planning to release an updated model of its Chromecast streaming hardware, but you might not even notice to look at it. This is a minor update, albeit one that may be welcome if you’ve been having issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
Roku makes free movies and TV shows even easier to find
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
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.
We all cut cable, and now we’re just as screwed on streaming
We all cut cable, and now we’re just as screwed on streaming
As live TV streaming services like Sling TV and PlayStation Vue raise prices in tandem, it raises questions about whether these services were ever a viable alternative to cable in the first place. After all, if it costs nearly the same as cable, and offers lower quality, what’s the point?
Your PlayStation Vue subscription is about to go up by $5 per month
Your PlayStation Vue subscription is about to go up by $5 per month
If you’re a PlayStation Vue subscriber and felt smug when Sling TV and DirecTV Now recently announced price increases, the other shoe is about to drop, as like those streaming services, Vue’s monthly subscription fees are going up by $5, no matter which package you subscribe to.
‘Hey, Google, what’s wrong?’ Google Home ‘glitch’ gets a fix
‘Hey, Google, what’s wrong?’ Google Home ‘glitch’ gets a fix
Google has announced a fix for a glitch that took down users' Chromecast and Google Home devices all day on Wednesday, June 27. The company explained what happened, and said users can either reboot their devices now or wait until the fix is automatically made in a few hours.
Sling TV gets pricier, adds completely free content to lure back quitters
Sling TV gets pricier, adds completely free content to lure back quitters
For years, Sling TV has been one of the most affordable options for cord cutters, even while competitors like Philo have been introduced with slightly lower prices. That just changed, as the company announced its Sling Orange plan will increase in price from $20 to $25 per month.