Roku Plans to Stick it To Chromecast With New Streaming Stick

Thursday, March 13, 2014

With the new Roku Streaming Stick, Google’s Chromecast dongle might have to make room in your TV’s the HDMI port. That means access to 1,200+ channels of movies, TV episodes, music, news, sports, kids’ shows and free programming streamed in up to 1080p HD video, plus a TV user interface featuring the Roku Search.

It is reported that Google has sold millions of Chromecasts and if Roku can gain traction, it might do the same. Of course, the challenge is the Roku is $49.99US and the Cromecast is $35US, so they will have to convince consumers there is $15 more dollars worth of entertainment packed in that small package. It does come with a controller and it really works quite differently than the Chromecast, so Roku should be sitting pretty.

App developers who have been sitting on the sideline might decide to go ahead and jump in the Roku ecosystem, this might be the perfect time to get in on the action with the potential of new users signing up.

Here are the specs:

Compact stick design. Plugs discreetly right into the HDMI port. Great for wall-mounted TVs.

1,000+ entertainment channels and counting. By far the most movies, TV episodes, sports, news, music, kids’ shows, and free channels of any streaming player.

Control with included remote. Comes with a simple-to-use remote that the household can share. With RF technology, you can use your remote without pointing it at the TV

Or control with your smartphone and tablet. Download the free Roku® iOS® or Android™ app to choose what you want to watch on your Roku player via your mobile device. It’s your choice.

Send to TV from mobile. With apps from Netflix and YouTube, cast videos from your smartphone or tablet straight to your TV.

Display personal media. Send your videos, photos and music stored locally on your smartphone to your TV screen with the Roku app.

Find what you want to watch. Roku Search makes it a snap to find your favorite movies and shows from top channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Amazon Instant Video and VUDU. Even compare pricing.

Channel shortcut buttons. Jump straight to favorite channels such as Netflix and Amazon Instant Video with the push of a button.

Stunning HD video quality. Immerse yourself in the action with rich, vibrant video streaming in up to 1080p HD.

Dual-band wireless N. A robust extended-range wireless connection seamlessly streams video with ease and speed.