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.
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’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.
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
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
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
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.
Fix upcoming for Google Home, Chromecast bug that can tattle on your location
Your trusty Google Home speaker may not be all that trustworthy after all -- at least, not for now. Security researcher Craig Young from the firm Tripwire discovered a bug that allows both the Google Home and the Google Chromecast TV stick to share user location, which needless to say is less than ideal.
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.
The new AirTV wirelessly beams broadcast channels to your streaming device
Unlike the AirTV player, which pulls double-duty as a streaming player and suffers for it, the AirTV is a stand-alone device that takes over-the-air channels and streams them to many different streaming platforms over Wi-Fi, making it a much more flexible option for most people.
Chromecast users can now skip intros on Netflix to binge on shows faster
Are you getting sick of seeing the same intro over and over again when you're in the middle of a serious Netflix binge session on your Chromecast? Wait no more, as Chromecast users can now skip show intros, letting them get to the next crucial plot point faster than ever before.
Polk Assist is the audio company’s next step into the smart speaker market
If you’re an audio company in this day and age, you better have a smart speaker, and now Polk Audio is getting into the game with the Polk Assist, a smart speaker powered by the increasingly ubiquitous Google Assistant that also features multiroom wireless audio courtesy of Chromecast built-in.
AirTV Player review
Despite offering some novel and much-needed features for integrating antenna TV and internet TV streaming, the AirTV suffers from some glaring faults. By playing favorites when it comes to streaming services, and needlessly complicating the setup, the AirTV undermines its best aspects.
Oculus confirms second-screen support is coming to Oculus Go
Oculus VR's John Carmack confirmed that second-screen support is coming to the Oculus Go and that implementing the current demo into the mobile apps for iOS and Android will "take a little while." This will allow owners to "cast" their experiences to an external display seen by friends and family.
Sling TV’s Cloud DVR is now on almost all of the service’s supported devices
First introduced in beta form in 2016, Sling TV’s Cloud DVR has been slowly expanding to more and more users. Now Sling TV has expanded support to a bunch of new devices, making the handy feature available on almost any device supported by the live TV streaming service.
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.
Comcast and Dish Network team up to offer Sling International on Xfinity X1
In an unlikely alliance, Comcast and rival Dish Network have teamed up to offer Sling International on the Xfinity X1 platform.
‘Cast’ like a boss with our list of the best Chromecast apps
If you have the nagging suspicion you’re not taking full advantage of your Chromecast, you’re probably right. Check out our list, and learn how to cast like a boss.
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.
JBL Link 20 Review
In search of a smart speaker? Our JBL Link 20 review examines a potential Sonos competitor featuring portability, built-in Chromecast, and Google Assistant.
Roku Streaming Stick+ review
Our Roku Streaming Stick+ review puts the little streamer through its paces and sees it coming out on top of the competition.
Roku Express review
Roku’s newest iteration of the Express streaming devices boast five times the power of its predecessor. Does that translate to five times the performance?
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.