The RoKu Streaming Stick
Lot's Of Entertainment From Such A Small Device!
We've been waiting for Roku to release its miniaturized dongle since CES, and now we finally know the flash drive-sized Streaming Stick will be available next month for $99. Priced the same as as the Roku 2 XS
set-top box, it brings the same feature set but in a smaller package
designed to work directly with your HDTV, thanks to power, remote
control and data signals fed through an MHL-compatible HDMI port. While
it will work with other MHL-ready host devices, manufacturers with Roku
Ready stamped and certified HDTVs on shelves this fall will include
Apex, Insignia and Hitachi -- Onkyo plans to ship receivers early next
year. If you pick up an otherwise dumb flat-panel with the stick bundled
along with it the price is set by that manufacturer, but the standalone
plan means buyers savings are focused on the two cables they won't be
needing, and simplified remote capability since their TV remote can talk
to the Stick directly. Like the Roku 2 XS, the Streaming Stick also
includes the motion control capable game remote.
A separate move will benefit many existing Roku owners, as it is also announcing that Walmart-owned Vudu
is launching on the platform today. You will need a Roku HD (2500), LT
or Roku 2 box (or the Streaming Stick, once it launches) to take
advantage of the Vudu app and its streams that bring quality of up to
1080p and 7.1 surround sound. That also means access to Vudu-compatible UltraViolet
movie titles on yet another set-top box, if that's a consideration, and
users score a $5.99 credit with Vudu just for linking the account to
their boxes. All the details are in the press release after the break,
and on the Roku blog.
Vudu comes to the Roku platform today
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