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Time Warner Cable's Roku TV test starts in NYC for $10 per month
We've been telling you about Time Warner Cable's plan to test streaming TV for its internet-only customers since before it was officially announced, but now customers can actually sign up for it. If having a cable box is part of what you hated about cable TV, now internet customers can get access to the TWC TV app on a variety of devices without adding a box or having a tech come out. During the trial, testers will get a free Roku 3 player, and the cheapest plan (with channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and TBS among the 20+ included) starts at just $10 per month on a 12 month contract . Adding Showtime and Starz doubles the price, and testers can get a pretty healthy package with channels like Disney and ESPN for $50 per month. As we detailed when it announced, there's no DVR with this setup, but it is an easy way to get TV without some of the hassles. The main drawback here? Unlike something like Sling TV, this is only available to Time Warner Cable customers, and during the test it's only in NYC -- check out the site for all the details.
Is a Roku 4 with 4K coming this way?
It was 2013 the last time that Roku launched a new flagship streaming box, and while we still adore the 3, the hardware can't avoid the ravages of time. Our friends over at Zatz Not Funny are reporting that the company is gearing up to replace it with a new high-end unit, the imaginatively-named Roku 4. As well as being the fourth in the series, the hardware expected to launch with 4K video playback as its primary selling point. The rumor began when streaming service Cinema Now accidentally launched a promotion for free HD rentals with every new Roku 4. Whoops.
Sky's new Now TV box is full HD compatible after all
Sky's second-generation Now TV box goes on sale tomorrow, and the company's just been in touch to say it made a bit of a boo-boo on yesterday's announcement. You see, the new Now TV box is basically a rebranded Roku 3, and since that device supports full HD, 1080p streaming, we assumed Sky's reskinned version would too. We were told yesterday, however, that Sky's model was slightly different, in that it can only output at 720p like the first-gen Now TV box. As it turns out, this isn't true: the new Now TV box does support 1080p, but Sky content will continue to stream at a maximum resolution of 720p. Also, there are "no immediate plans" to make the jump to full HD, as Sky would rather not hinge the user experience on the speed of your internet connection. By coming clean about its mistake, Sky's actually made the £15 streaming puck a more attractive purchase. You can use the little set-top box to stream from plenty of content sources that aren't the Now TV app, so where available, you'll now be able to do so in glorious full HD.
Sky's new £15 Now TV box arrives this week
Sky announced a successor to its cheap and cheerful Now TV streaming puck way back at the beginning of the year, and today we've learned it's definitely going to meet its August release window. In fact, the little set-top box will be available through the Now TV website from this Thursday, August 6th, before hitting Argos the following day and other retailers "in the coming weeks." At £15, it's a fiver more expensive than the original Now TV box, but that extra cash buys you a faster processor, which should make the user experience that bit slicker, and an Ethernet port for ensuring stable streams if your WiFi is on the flaky side.
Roku upgrades players, adds more ways to discover and search content
It's been a while since Roku updated its set top streaming boxes. Today its two highest-end models, the Roku 2 and 3, are getting a minor hardware revision, but it's the accompanying software upgrade that's adding some welcome new features. Firstly, the Roku 2 is getting the same processor and other internals as its big brother, while keeping its $70 price. The 3 remains unchanged on the inside, instead its big hardware addition is a microphone on the remote. Why a mic? Well one of the big new features of Roku's software is true voice search. A dedicated search button on the new remote quickly lets you find content by searching for actors, directors, titles and finally by channel. And if the on-screen keyboard isn't quite your speed, you can speak your query. And if you have an older or cheaper model, you can still take advantage of the new voice search through the updated mobile app.
Plex's revamped Roku channel gives you a better look at your videos
To put it mildly, the Plex channel for Roku players is due an overhaul -- an interface full of dull squares doesn't exactly do justice to your extensive media collection. Thankfully, Plex is giving the channel the makeover it needs. The new version brings the Roku client up to snuff with what you get on other platforms, including rich cover art and a greater emphasis on discovering video content like movie trailers and behind-the-scenes footage. As with Plex's other recent upgrades, though, there are a few things missing at the moment. The revamped software will handle your movies, music and TV shows, but channels, photos and playlists are still "coming soon." Also, you may have to be patient. The redesigned front end is available today to Plex Pass subscribers as a preview, but you'll have to wait if you'd rather not cough up cash for early access. Update: Roku has also rolled out a faster YouTube experience with the new UI seen on Xbox One and other platforms for the Roku 3 and Roku Streaming Stick, while Roku TVs (TVs with Roku embedded) finally have access to WatchESPN.
Roku tries out screen mirroring from phones and PCs
Roku has unveiled its latest shot in the increasingly-crowded set-top box wars: screen mirroring. Even Microsoft and Firefox OS are lining up to challenge Google's Chromecast and Apple's AirPlay, so Roku had to compete somehow. Launching in beta, Roku's version of the tech works from (some) Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 devices, and broadcasts to Roku 3 or the Roku Streaming Stick. There's no mention of the word 'Miracast' but that appears to be the tech in use. If your Roku has the latest update (rolling out over the next few weeks) it should show up as an option to pair, and have a connection good enough to display presentations, emails or even video.
Roku has sold over 10 million players, but is that enough?
Tonight Roku is announcing that over 10 million of its tiny media streamers have sold, dating back to when they were first introduced in 2008. That's good news, and shows sales are continuing to pick up after it crossed 5 million just last spring and eight million at the beginning of the year. Just as ever, the company has a solid product that we like at a reasonable price, and a library of smart TV apps that's second to none. The only bad news? The competition is getting stronger too. Sales of the Apple TV have exploded along with the iPad and it was up to 20 million at last count, while Google is readying another Android TV attack and Amazon is pushing its own Fire TV media box. In response, Roku is expanding by putting its software directly into Smart TVs and using its partnership with Sky TV in the UK to get cheaper hardware on the shelves. Roku's infographic (here) cites stats suggesting customers like it better, and use it more, than the competition, and claims it has more than 1,000 more channels than options like the Chromecast.
Roku 3 update lets you search for movies and more with a smartphone
Roku baked its comprehensive search feature into its mobile apps last month, but only folks who used it with the firm's HDMI Streaming Stick have been able to enjoy life without wielding a remote to hunt and peck for letters. Starting today, however, more of the outfit's hardware is getting some love: an update is trickling out to Roku 3 devices that'll enable the search feature with the apps. Since the company expects the software rollout to wrap up by April 22nd, it may be a while before your own box gets updated. Other Roku models are expected to snag the upgrade in the following weeks. Until then, you can use the clicker to hunt for content by actors, directors and show titles. Like an animal.
Roku player software cracked open temporarily, root now to run XBMC later
Roku's line of set-top boxes have been popular thanks to their simple controls, large set of available apps (recently expanded to include YouTube for the new Roku 3) and hardware ranging in price from inexpensive to downright cheap. Still, despite an active and encouraged developer community with custom channels and well-supported media player apps like Plex, the hardware has remained largely on lockdown -- until now. The GTVHacker team that previously unlocked Google TV and Chromecast has found a way to run its commands as root on any Roku 2 or Roku 3 using the most recent software version (unfortunately, that does not at this time include Sky TV's cheap Now TV player, which runs on older software). While the player overall is credited as "considerably more secure than others in the entertainment field" (Samsung comes to mind but it's from from the only one) a development password field provided a way in. Currently they've only achieved persistence on the Roku 2, which in this case means they can maintain control even after the box reboots by breaking the secure boot process and modifying the initial boot loader. Since Roku 2 runs on the same Broadcom chip used by the popular Raspberry Pi, team member CJ Heres expects to see ports for third-party home theater PC software like XBMC very quickly. The Roku 3 will be a bit trickier since it runs on different hardware, and right now it needs to have the command entered each time the box starts. Those well-versed in using the command line should find the process simple. A WGET command entered via the development password field pulls down a script -- available from the GTVHacker team -- that makes sure you have the right box and does all the dirty work before rebooting, leaving you with a rooted box, as seen above. Hardware level access on mobile platforms has lead to a number of custom software projects and we'll have to see if the same path is followed here, but if all this does is create a simple $40 XBMC box, it's probably still worth looking into -- and quickly, the team expects this security hole will be patched soon.
Roku 3 finally snags an official YouTube app, support for additional models is on the way
The lack of a YouTube app has been a massive hole in the content lineup of Roku's otherwise well-rounded media streamers, but no more. YouTube just announced that Roku 3 players in the US, Canada, UK and Republic of Ireland all have access to its video streams starting today. Unfortunately, that means it doesn't apply to earlier players, but the Roku blog says additional models will get access next year -- we're checking to see if that applies only to the new 2013 lineup or older hardware also. Unofficial -- and frequently blocked -- channels to access YouTube and ways to pipe content through other apps like Plex have existed before, but the official app brings HD video, "Send to TV" pairing with your phone or tablet and the ability to sign in and access your subscribed channels directly. The app is in the channel store right now; add it to your player by clicking here.
Roku's new product line: it's as simple as 1, 2, 3 (hands-on)
To say that today's a big day for Roku is a bit of an understatement. Not only is the company revamping its entire product lineup, there's also the small matter of the UK launch of the Roku 3 to consider. Whereas before, American users had to decide between the LT, HD, 2XD and 3, the company has now adopted a much simpler device lineup: Okay, Good, Better and Best. So, is this the move that'll push the company out of the fringes of the mainstream and into the spotlight? It's certainly going to help.
Roku 3 finally goes on sale in Canada for $110
It wouldn't surprise us to hear that some people in Canada have already managed to snag a Roku 3. But, the truth is the miniature video player's just now officially hitting shelves there, nearly six months after its release in the US. Evidently, The Great White North availability signifies a footprint expansion for Roku's newest box, and it provides interested Canucks streaming access to over 450 channels -- even newly minted ones like Livestream's. The Roku 3 will be available for $109.99 at many brick-and-mortar and online shops across Canada, including Future Shop, Best Buy, Staples, Walmart and more.
FCC listing exposes new Roku Streaming Stick remote with audio out
Roku introduced a new remote with audio out for its third-generation player, and an FCC filing reveals its Streaming Stick will get the same treatment soon. The new remote adds a headphone out and... that's it, since the Streaming Stick already used WiFi Direct for communication and control. Users shouldn't notice much difference however, in our review the batteries lasted for hours even with headphones plugged in. How does this revised unit align with Roku's plans to become the front end for your TV? We're not sure yet, but it appears the dongle is still a part of its plans.
Roku's second gen players can get their grid menu update now
We dug the grid-style menu system that came along with the Roku 3, and now owners of some of the company's older players can experience it as well. The Roku 2 boxes, Roku LT, newer Roku HD and Streaming Stick are all eligible to download the new update, although it's not coming to the company's first generation boxes. It's been rolling out to limited numbers of users all month for testing, but tonight the company announced anyone can get it by prompting their box to manually update. All it takes is checking the update section under settings, otherwise it will be downloaded automatically at some point in the next few weeks.
Roku 2 menu update gets a new 'end of May' deadline in message to devs (update)
We loved the Roku 3's new UI when we reviewed it recently and eagerly anticipated its arrival on "current-gen" hardware this month, but that may not be in the cards. Dave Zatz points out an email sent to Roku developers today that mentions "the new user interface introduced with the Roku 3 will be coming to Roku 2, Roku LT and Roku HD (model 2500) by the end of May." That could add a few extra weeks to the wait for current owners, but there may be a silver lining. The email goes on to mention that it expects channels to run the same, if not better (besides looking better) after the upgrade. We've contacted Roku to find out any more details, we'll update if we hear anything more specific. Update: Roku has responded, and also mentioned in a post on Facebook that the update will begin rolling out in the first week of May.
The Daily Roundup for 04.12.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Distro Issue 86: The return of Roku's simple set-top box
Prior to the company's recent milestone announcement, Roku released its latest streaming effort. In a smokin' hot issue of our weekly, the Roku 3 gets put through the full review treatment to see just how it stacks up against other set-top boxes. We also spend some quality time with OUYA's Founding Backer's Edition and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 before offering up detailed analysis for both. Eyes-On gazes on the Joey Roth Ceramic Speaker System and Elon Musk discusses service and the Tesla Model X. Go on and swipe to that weekly download spot because this issue is certainly one you won't want to miss. Distro Issue 86 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
The Daily Roundup for 04.03.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Roku 3 review: our favorite media streamer, and the simplest to use, too
Roku's media streamers have carved out a notable niche for themselves, with what started out as a Netflix box, but quickly grew to include hundreds of other entertainment options. Whatever they've lacked in style, they've always made up for with an easy-to-navigate menu and remote, not to mention low prices. In fact, they've become our default recommendation in the media streamer category, and now the company is back with its third iteration. Its approach hasn't changed: the Roku 3 is still a simple $99 box that brings internet content including video, some simple apps and even games to your TV. But this one is touted as the most powerful Roku ever, and the team behind it has even dared to tweak that boring, but simple menu system. There have always been some rough edges that needed polishing, along with holes in its offerings -- join us to see if it's good enough to be the best.
