roku

Entertainment
October 8, 2012
by

Roku and 3M’s portable ‘Streaming Projector’ can output a 120-inch projection for $299

By on October 8, 2012 at 11:59 PM.

Roku and 3M’s portable ‘Streaming Projector’ can output a 120-inch projection for $299

Roku 3M Streaming Projector Release Date

Roku and 3M have a new streaming media device that has something the Apple TV and older Roku boxes don’t: a built-in projector. Touted as “the first-of-its-kind,” the Streaming Projector combines 3M’s history of tested portable projection technology with Roku’s expertise in providing digital media content. Armed with a rechargeable battery, the Streaming Projector can project an image up to 120 inches in size for up to two hours and 45 minutes on continuos play, which does seem a little short. In addition to the 600 channels from services including Amazon (AMZN) Instant Video, Hulu Plus and Netflix (NFLX), smartphones and tablets can also be connected to the projector to stream content via an iOS and Android app.  More →

No Comments
Gaming
May 2, 2012
by

Microsoft may be readying a subscription-based $99 Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle

By on May 2, 2012 at 2:25 PM.

Microsoft may be readying a subscription-based $99 Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle

Microsoft may announce a $99 Xbox 360, Kinect bundle

Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch a subsidized Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle with a monthly subscription option, according to The Verge. The software giant may offer its 4GB gaming console alongside its motion sensing input device for $99 with a two-year commitment, and an early termination fee will be included for contract breakers. Subscribers will then pay a monthly $15 fee that includes access to Xbox Live Gold, a two-year warranty and possibly additional streaming content as well. Microsoft will apparently position the package to compete against the Apple TV, Roku streaming box and PlayStation 3. The Verge reports that we could see an announcement as early as next week. More →

No Comments
Entertainment
October 12, 2011
by

Roku announces $50 Roku LT player, streaming partnership with HBO GO

By on October 12, 2011 at 2:00 AM.

Roku announces $50 Roku LT player, streaming partnership with HBO GO

Roku on Tuesday announced a new $50 Roku LT player, the latest member of the company’s family of streaming media devices. The Roku LT supports 720p HD video, has built-in Wi-Fi, and provides access to 300 channels including Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, EPIX, Disney, Crackle, Hulu Plus and Netflix. ”Our goal is a Roku in every home,” Roku CEO Anthony Wood said. “The Roku LT opens up streaming to more people by lowering the cost of entry in these difficult economic times. With a $49 price and selection of more than 300 channels we expect the Roku LT will be everyone’s favorite Holiday device.” Additionally, Roku announced a new HBO GO partnership that provides on-demand access to 1,400 HBO movies and TV shows. Users must already subscribe to HBO through their cable provider in order to take advantage of this feature, however. The Roku LT will be available in early November from Roku’s website, Amazon and retail stores. Read on for the full press release. More →

8 Comments
Entertainment
March 30, 2011
by

Roku moves into Best Buy, national availability

By on March 30, 2011 at 8:31 AM.

Roku moves into Best Buy, national availability

Up until now, Roku devices have only been available online, but that changes today. Roku has just announced nationwide availability of their Roku XD model at all Best Buy locations. This is a pretty large move for the company, and with the success Roku has had online, there’s no question it will translate into retail sales. Press release after the break. More →

11 Comments
CES
January 4, 2011
by

Microsoft to demo Windows TV product at CES

By on January 4, 2011 at 11:16 AM.

Microsoft to demo Windows TV product at CES

According to an unconfirmed report in The Seattle Times, Microsoft is preparing to demonstrate a new home entertainment product set to combat Apple TV and Google TV. The rumored service will supposedly be demonstrated this week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Said to be powered by a “stripped-down version of Windows tailored for set-top boxes and connected TVs,” a customized version of Windows Embedded is the likely candidate for this type of product. The devices are also said to feature a UI similar to the Windows Media Center interface, and will include a “polished and familiar TV-program guide that makes it easy to blend and navigate both online and broadcast content.” While no manufacturing partners were revealed in the report, an initial round of Windows TV boxes will apparently go on sale later this year for around $200. More →

21 Comments
General
December 22, 2010
by

Amazon slashes $20 from Roku XDS price, 1080p streaming now $80

By on December 22, 2010 at 12:08 AM.

Amazon slashes $20 from Roku XDS price, 1080p streaming now $80

Both Zach and I have bought no fewer than five Roku XDS units as holiday gifts this season. So it comes as no surprise to us that Amazon has slashed $20 off of the device’s price now that our Rokus are all wrapped, mailed, and committed. The online retail giant has quietly reduced the price of the 1080p streaming media player from $99.99 down to $79.99. The Roku XDS offers full Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu Plus compatibility, as well as a host of other streaming options thanks to an online channel-store available to all users. Procrastination literally just paid you $20. The XDS is currently listed as “temporarily out of stock,” but if time is not of the essence, you can still go ahead and order yourself Roku’s high-end offering at the new, low price. More →

16 Comments
News
December 21, 2010
by

Roku CEO: Sales doubled when Apple TV launched

By on December 21, 2010 at 2:22 AM.

Roku CEO: Sales doubled when Apple TV launched

When Apple first announced that it would be issuing a refreshed version of Apple TV, several analysts and bloggers assumed set top boxes like Roku’s offering would be in trouble. According to Roku CEO Anthony Wood, however, the reality is just the opposite. The new Apple TV received a warm reception at launch, having sold 250,000 units during its first six weeks of availability. But Apple has been quiet about the product since its earnings call, and talk of the device has all but disappeared from the mainstream media. On the other hand, Roku’s sales doubled when the new Apple TV launched, Wood told Business Insider. Sales have also doubled year-over-year for the company, and Roku will sell its millionth box before the end of this month. Roku currently holds the No. 11 and No. 12 spots on Amazon’s list of best-selling electronics, and Amazon accounts for just 25% of Roku’s sales according to Wood. The company is also working on licensing deals that will bring in revenue from new channels as partner manufacturers build boxes based on the Roku platofrm. Roku projects $100 million in revenue in 2011, following over $50 million in sales this year. More →

17 Comments
General
December 13, 2010
by

Roku firmware update brings 1080p video to XR units, Hulu optimizations

By on December 13, 2010 at 4:02 PM.

Roku firmware update brings 1080p video to XR units, Hulu optimizations

Roku has just announced a firmware update — version 2.9 b1509 — for its popular line of streaming media players. The new code packs various bug fixes, playback optimizations, and, most notably, 1080p video playback for the Roku XR player. If your device hasn’t yet automatically retrieved the update, you can manually grab the firmware by navigating to: Settings > Player Info > Check For Updates. More →

8 Comments
General
November 25, 2010
by

Roku XD player 20% off on Black Friday

By on November 25, 2010 at 1:16 PM.

Roku XD player 20% off on Black Friday

If you’re looking to jump into the connected TV market, and aren’t quiet ready to go with Google TV, Roku is a great option. The company has just pinged us to let us know it is offering a sale on its widely popular Roku XD player starting tonight at 12:00PM PT. Roku will be offering its XD model player — which is capable of 1080p playback — at an additional 20% off. That brings the price of the already affordable box down to $64. The sale runs through Monday, November 29th. Happy shopping. More →

11 Comments
TV
November 17, 2010
by

Hulu drops $2 from Hulu Plus monthly price, now $7.99

By on November 17, 2010 at 7:21 AM.

Hulu drops $2 from Hulu Plus monthly price, now $7.99

Here’s a bit of good news: Hulu has just announced that its Hulu Plus premium subscription service will shed $2 from its monthly price tag. As the press release reads: “The monthly price for Hulu Plus moving forward is just $7.99. Any current subscribers who joined during our preview period will receive a credit for the difference from the $9.99 preview price. This credit will automatically be applied to their next billing cycle.”

But the juice doesn’t stop there.  Hulu has also announced the following promotions:

• One free week trials for all new subscribers. In addition, current subscribers who joined during the preview period will receive a credit for one week of Hulu Plus toward their next month’s subscription.
• Two free weeks of Hulu Plus for both current subscribers and friends they invite through our referral program. Subscribers can learn more by clicking on the “Referrals” tab on their Hulu profile page.
• 11 weeks ($20 worth) of free Hulu Plus with the purchase of a Sony BRAVIA connected TV or Blu-ray player through January 31, 2011. (See sony.com/huluplus.)
• One free month of Hulu Plus with the purchase of a Roku device through December 15, 2010. (See roku.com/hulu.)

The release also notes that the service is launching on Roku today and will be coming to “Internet-connected Vizio, LG Electronics, and Panasonic Blu-ray players and HDTVs; TiVo Premiere DVRs; the Xbox 360; and Western Digital’s WD TV Live Hub Media Center and WD TV Live Plus Network Media Player,” in the coming months. Updates to the Hulu Plus iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Samsung, and PlayStation 3 players will be made available this week.

Anyone reconsidering Hulu Plus after the price drop? More →

34 Comments
Software
October 27, 2010
by

Stiff competition forces Roku to license its software? [Updated]

By on October 27, 2010 at 9:35 PM.

Stiff competition forces Roku to license its software? [Updated]

Following Netgear’s announcement Tuesday that it would offer a $90 set top box powered by Roku’s software, it looks as though Roku is playing with alternative models in an effort to stay competitive. Roku gained notoriety in 2008 by providing an easy solution for streaming Netflix Watch Instantly video content to television sets. The company has since expended its product through partnerships that brought additional content from the likes of Amazon Video On Demand, MLB.TV and Hulu. With a growing content library and three new hardware products starting at just $59.99, Roku still finds in the precarious position of having to compete with the likes of Google, which recently launched Google TV, and Apple, which refreshed its Apple TV offering last month.

In an effort to combat the aforementioned giants, Roku is licensing out its software. The first taker, Netgear, announced the Netgear Roku Player NTV250 earlier this week, which is already available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Fry’s, Amazon.com and Buy.com. Roku hopes that by letting larger hardware partners do the heavy lifting, it can spread its net as wide as possible and let the simplicity of its software carry partner offerings. There’s no question Roku has a great product, but Google has shown that it plans to be very aggressive with Google TV and Apple sold a quarter-million Apple TVs in just six weeks. Roku tells BGR that its business couldn’t be better right now but with competition like Apple and Google, Roku has its work cut out for it. More →

8 Comments
TV
September 28, 2010
by

Hulu Plus channel coming to Roku 'later this fall'

By on September 28, 2010 at 2:46 PM.

Hulu Plus channel coming to Roku 'later this fall'

Roku has just announced that they will be adding a Hulu Plus channel to their lineup “later this fall.” As the press release reads: “Hulu Plus offers one of the deepest offerings of TV shows, both current and classic, on a streaming platform to subscribers in the U.S. Through Hulu Plus on Roku, TV lovers can watch every episode of more than 45 current hit programs from ABC, FOX and NBC.” A Hulu Plus subscription, which will still be required, retails for $9.99 per month. We’ve got the full press release after the break. More →

11 Comments
General
September 23, 2010
by

Roku introduces new 1080p players, Roku XD and Roku XDS

By on September 23, 2010 at 9:38 AM.

Roku introduces new 1080p players, Roku XD and Roku XDS

Today, Roku announced a new line of HD streaming video players, the Roku XD and the Roku XDS. To get your initial question out of the way: Yes, both new players can stream video in a full 1080p. The Roku XD, which will retail for $79.99, and the Roku XDS, which will retail for $99.99, both feature an HDMI-out port, Wi-Fi b/g/n, and an “instant replay” function (allowing you to skip back 7-seconds on streaming content without re-buffering). The XDS model will have dual-band Wireless-N technology, component video out, optical audio out, and USB port. The USB port will allow you to “play stored music, photos, and up to 1080p video using a USB playback channel, available as a free upgrade.” The original Roku HD player, which can stream in a maximum of 720p, is now available for a measly $59.99. All three players — the HD, XD, and XDS — are available at Amazon or Roku.com starting today. More →

11 Comments