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Roku celebrates 100 channels in the UK and Ireland, says more are on the way
Hitting any milestones or goals are usually worthy of a celebration, and on this occasion it's Roku's turn to party on. The LT, HD, XD and XS creator is flaunting the reach of 100 channels in its UK and Irish boxes, adding over 60 since its launch date back in January. The outfit isn't planning on slowing down anytime soon, though, saying more channels are expected in the upcoming months and that it aims to bring the one-channel-per-day model to streamers across the pond. Congrats, Roku, congrats.
Roku streamers pop up at Walmart, could a Vudu channel be on the way?
Zatz Not Funny points out the Roku XDS and XD streaming video players have popped up for sale on Walmart.com. Following the usual Walmart pricing they're a buck under the usual MSRPs, but the more interesting question is whether this portends the arrival of the (Walmart-owned) Vudu as a channel on Roku devices. It only makes sense Walmart would want to get its service included before these boxes make their way onto physical shelves, but we'd be more surprised if we didn't hear something before the Walmart star appears on Roku's official retail partners page.
Plex Media Server launches client for Roku
Plex has been serving up streaming video for more than a minute, bringing content to Macs, iDevices, and even jailbroken Apple TVs (not to mention apps for all sizes of Android). For those who are neither Apple aficionados nor dedicated 'droid users, the company has rolled out a client that runs on Rokus. It's currently in beta and only supports video, but Plex plans to provide picture and music management in the future. Plex's XBMC secret sauce paired with Roku's ample streaming content buffet? Sounds delicious. [Thanks, James]
Roku players updated, fixes a few issues but may introduce a new one for PlayOn
A place at retail may be the future for Roku, but for current owners there's a firmware update just issued that brings the box to version 2.9 build 1553. According to the release notes it makes the banner ad on the home screen clickable as well as adding several optimizations that support "numerous new content partners" like the updated MLB app. There's also a tweak to the USB channel to help MKV files play without rebuffering and displaying the WiFi mode in network settings. However, PlayOn users may want to avoid clicking that update button for now, according to another thread in the forums, many are seeing streams on their channel lose audio/video sync by as much as 10 seconds. That's a bit more than we usually need to adjust for, and given the apps unofficial status getting it fixed could be tricky so proceed with caution.
How would you change Roku's XDS media streamer?
2010 may arguably be the year of the tablet, but darn if media streamers aren't breathing down their neck. This year, we've seen an explosion in the quantity and quality of media streamer options, with even the mighty Google buying in via its Google TV solution. One of the earlier birds, Roku, decided to dole out an updated box just a few months ago, and now it's competing against the Apple TV, a few WD TV Live units, D-Link's Boxee Box and scores of integrated options within HDTVs. At $99, there's an awful lot of choices on the market, but we're curious to know how XDS early adopters would tweak and / or overhaul things if given the golden opportunity. Would you change the exterior at all? How about the user interface? Add any content partners? How's the remote control situation treating you? Think of comments below like you would an AA meeting -- speak your heart and wait for nods. We're all one in this brainstorming bubble.
Roku rolls out version 2.8 software update with refined interface
We've already seen a preview of it, and Roku has now finally rolled out its version 2.8 software update for everyone to try out themselves. The biggest changes all concern the interface, and include improvements like a new seasonal home screen banner, the ability to re-order channels on the home screen, a revised Channel Store with a grid of icons and, last but not least, a home screen clock. Look for the update to gradually roll out to Roku boxes over the next few days, or simply head to the settings menu to force a download it right now if you just can't wait.
Roku previews UI tweaks on the way
Our friends from ZatzNotFunny and Liliputing spotted Roku at a recent event showing off the next version of software for its media streamers: version 2.8, which should add several UI improvements including the updated Channel Store seen above. Also spotted was a special fall-themed skin and placeholder for the soon-to-arrive Hulu Plus access. The DLNA we've been expecting since our Roku XDS review still hasn't made an official appearance but we'll keep our fingers crossed until the update is official and we have a changelog in our hands.
Engadget Podcast 214 - 09.30.2010
We thought about calling this podcast "Unchained Melody" or "The Engadget Podcast: RAW" but our COO got a little concerned about violating some sort of intellectual property laws, so you just get the plain vanilla name. Regardless, it is quite a monster, complete with a radio play set in an AT&T store and 3-D versions of Jerry Seinfeld and Jar-Jar Binks. Dunno how else we can sell you on this one. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay PatelProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: The Addams Family AT&T Store music: El Remolon - Riki Ticki00:02:37 - T-Mobile G2 now shipping to some pre-orderers00:03:45 - T-Mobile G2 preview00:06:30 - Editorial: Firmware, forums, and desperation -- the dark side of Android hacking00:08:00 - Apple TV review (2010)00:13:15 - Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall00:14:32 - Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too00:24:38 - Roku XDS review00:36:18 - Sony's Google TV makes an early public appearance, reveals little00:43:45 - RIM introduces PlayBook -- the BlackBerry tablet00:50:00 - BlackBerry PlayBook first eyes-on!00:57:20 - HTC Mondrian stars in leaked AT&T ad campaign, jump-kicks lesser smartphones? (video)00:58:02 - LG's Optimus 7 gets previewed by Korean newspaper, has voice to text feature?01:21:30 - Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Apple TV vs Roku HD... fight!
Two tiny black 720p boxes, two interesting choices. The $59 Roku HD will put Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand and Roku's 75 other content channels on your TV quickly and easily, while the $99 Apple TV offers up iTunes rentals, Netflix, and eventually AirPlay streaming from your iPad or iPhone. (You could step up to the Roku XDS with 1080p support for $99, but we don't think the extra money will be really worth it until the USB playback channel is released and / or there's more useful 1080p content available.) It's a tough decision, so check out our Apple TV review, our Roku XDS review, and our in-depth comparison chart to just try to make up your mind. Then again, you could grab 'em both and still not break the bank. %Gallery-103840%
Roku launches revamped HD, XD, and XDS players, starting at $59
We've been wondering what Roku had up its sleeve after the FCC leaked the Roku XD and XDS following Apple's $99 Apple TV announcement, and it looks like those earlier price cuts were just the beginning: the new Roku lineup starts at just $59 for the basic WiFi HD streamer with HDMI and composite outputs. That's basically impulse-purchase territory if you're looking for a quick way to get Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand or one of Roku's 75 other channels on your TV. The $79 Roku XD adds in 1080p streaming support for channels with 1080p content, and the top-of-the-line $99 XDS adds in a USB port for future local playback support, component video and optical audio out, and dual-band 802.11n WiFi. All three boxes share the same new slimmer case, while the XD and XDS get a new sleeker remote with new instant-replay and info buttons. Definitely an intriguing set of upgrades -- we've been playing with the XDS for a few days, so go check out our full review!
Roku XDS review
It's an interesting time for Roku -- the upstart device company has owned the cheap'n'easy Netflix streaming market since the beginning, and its platform has been getting more and more flexible over time, adding various channels like Amazon Video on Demand, MLB.tv, UFC, and others. But cheap and simple aren't necessarily good enough anymore, not with the new $99 Apple TV set to launch in just a few weeks -- and while Roku already took the preemptive step of slashing prices across the board, it's following up with some promising new hardware and features. The new Roku HD offers basic 720p streaming capabilities for just $59, the new Roku XD adds 1080p streaming support for $79, and $99 Roku XDS -- which we tested -- offers 1080p support, a USB port for local media, optical and component outputs, and dual-band WiFi. Apart from the new case, the HD and XD are extremely similar to Roku's previous offerings, but the XDS is immediately interesting -- it offers a number of features absent on Apple's offering. So does the newest flagship Roku have what it takes to remain our favorite inexpensive streamer? Read on to find out! %Gallery-102946%
Roku hits FCC with XD S player to complement its upcoming XD line
Roku clearly isn't taking the new Apple TV lying down. After passing the Roku XD and Netgear Roku XD through the FCC a week or so ago, it's back for more with the Roku XD S. There are still plenty of plugs in the back, including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, component video, composite video, optical audio, and Ethernet, and the 802.11n a/b/g/n WiFi makes its requisite appearance as well. Since we don't know too much about the XD line yet, we're not sure set the XD S apart, but prior experience in the CE space suggests that "S" stands for "small" or perhaps "scintillating."
