Roku Starts to Look More Like Apple TV - Online Video - Tom's Guide
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Roku and Apple TV are the two little boxes that fight for the big cord-cutting (or more likely, cord-supplementing) masses, though they have tackled it in different ways. But with new movie- and TV rental services offerings Roku announced today, and a coming ability to sling video from your computer or mobile device to your TV, Roku is starting to look more like its rival.
(To put this in perspective, though, far more people use a game console or a connected Blu-ray player than a set-top box to get online video to their TVs)
Roku is also launching a new line of streaming boxes that essentially bring higher-end features down to lower-priced models.
MORE: Beyond Netflix: Where Your Shows Are Hiding
Apple TV points you first toward its own iTunes service to buy or rent TV shows and movies, though it has always included Netflix streaming and has been adding more channels, currently up to 25. Starting as simply a Netflix streaming box, Roku has continually added video and music channels, now numbering about 1,000. (Thankfully, Roku also has a good universal search function that covers many of the biggest channels at once.)
New movie and TV offerings
Today, though, Roku announced something like Apple TV's emphasis on iTunes by partnering with movie and TV service M-GO, putting it front-and-center on the home screen, as well as on the remotes for its updated line of streaming boxes.
The new Roku remote includes a shortcut button for M-GO.If you haven't heard of M-GO, don't feel bad. It's been around for less than two years and looks similar to rivals such as Amazon Instant Video. M-Go has been available on the Web and as an app on Android devices and some Smart TVs and Blu-ray players.
Like its rivals, M-GO has a healthy selection of recent movies and current TV shows, at similar prices. You can rent a movie like "World War Z," for $3.99 (aka $4) for standard definition and $4.99 (i.e. $5) for HD. (You can also by the movies for around $20 or more.) TV shows like "Burn Notice" are for sale only, at $3 for SD and $4 HD.
MORE: Best Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Yahoo Right Now
As such, M-GO is a good supplement to Netflix, which doesn't usually have the latest movies or current-season TV shows. However, you can get similar offerings, for similar prices, already on Roku via its Amazon Instant Video channel, which isn't going away, nor are any of the other video and TV services.
New streaming boxes upgrade features
The M-Go service will come in a software update in October for the current Roku models and the new models. That lineup largely shifts the features of today's models down a notch to lower-priced new models. For example, the new $60 model, the Roku 1, now gets 1080p. It's predecessor at the same price, the current Roku HD, has only 720p capability. The new $80 model, the Roku 2, now has the wireless remote with headphone jack and dual-band wireless that had heretofore been available only on the current $100 model, the Roku 3 (which recently had an upgrade and is the company's most popular model).
Slinging video to your TV
Roku really starts to look like Apple TV later this year when it gains a capability called Miracast to receive video (and audio) wirelessly from smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Apple has offered that capability for a while on Apple TV using its own technology called AirPlay, which works well, but only among Apple products. You can send Apple TV content from a MacBook, iPhone or iPad, for example, but not from a Galaxy S phone or a PC.
That video-slinging ability is more than a neat trick, it's a money saver. Say you don't have cable and want to watch a recent episode of "Burn Notice" on your TV. You can buy it for you set-top box from iTunes for Apple TV or from Amazon Instant Video or M-GO for Roku at $2 in standard definition or $3 in HD (iTunes sells only the HD version).
You can also watch most episodes free on your laptop at usanetwork.com. With video-slinging capability, you can now watch that episode for free on the TV, as well. That's been the killer application for Apple TV, and now Roku is catching up.
However, that is with a lot of caveats: AirPlay works with pretty much all recent Apple computers, phones and tablets. Miracast works with some phones and tablets and some computers, but it isn't immediately apparent or easy to figure out. Still, brining Miracast to Roku could encourage other device makers to get their act together on support.
Follow Sean Captain @seancaptain and on Google+. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
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Roku Starts to Look More Like Apple TV - Online Video - Tom's Guide
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Sean CaptainSeptember 25, 2013 1:10 AM- Source: Tom's Guide US |
B 0 comment
]]>
Roku and Apple TV are the two little boxes that fight for the big cord-cutting (or more likely, cord-supplementing) masses, though they have tackled it in different ways. But with new movie- and TV rental services offerings Roku announced today, and a coming ability to sling video from your computer or mobile device to your TV, Roku is starting to look more like its rival.
(To put this in perspective, though, far more people use a game console or a connected Blu-ray player than a set-top box to get online video to their TVs)
Roku is also launching a new line of streaming boxes that essentially bring higher-end features down to lower-priced models.
MORE: Beyond Netflix: Where Your Shows Are Hiding
Apple TV points you first toward its own iTunes service to buy or rent TV shows and movies, though it has always included Netflix streaming and has been adding more channels, currently up to 25. Starting as simply a Netflix streaming box, Roku has continually added video and music channels, now numbering about 1,000. (Thankfully, Roku also has a good universal search function that covers many of the biggest channels at once.)
New movie and TV offerings
Today, though, Roku announced something like Apple TV's emphasis on iTunes by partnering with movie and TV service M-GO, putting it front-and-center on the home screen, as well as on the remotes for its updated line of streaming boxes.
The new Roku remote includes a shortcut button for M-GO.If you haven't heard of M-GO, don't feel bad. It's been around for less than two years and looks similar to rivals such as Amazon Instant Video. M-Go has been available on the Web and as an app on Android devices and some Smart TVs and Blu-ray players.
Like its rivals, M-GO has a healthy selection of recent movies and current TV shows, at similar prices. You can rent a movie like "World War Z," for $3.99 (aka $4) for standard definition and $4.99 (i.e. $5) for HD. (You can also by the movies for around $20 or more.) TV shows like "Burn Notice" are for sale only, at $3 for SD and $4 HD.
MORE: Best Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Yahoo Right Now
As such, M-GO is a good supplement to Netflix, which doesn't usually have the latest movies or current-season TV shows. However, you can get similar offerings, for similar prices, already on Roku via its Amazon Instant Video channel, which isn't going away, nor are any of the other video and TV services.
New streaming boxes upgrade features
The M-Go service will come in a software update in October for the current Roku models and the new models. That lineup largely shifts the features of today's models down a notch to lower-priced new models. For example, the new $60 model, the Roku 1, now gets 1080p. It's predecessor at the same price, the current Roku HD, has only 720p capability. The new $80 model, the Roku 2, now has the wireless remote with headphone jack and dual-band wireless that had heretofore been available only on the current $100 model, the Roku 3 (which recently had an upgrade and is the company's most popular model).
Slinging video to your TV
Roku really starts to look like Apple TV later this year when it gains a capability called Miracast to receive video (and audio) wirelessly from smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Apple has offered that capability for a while on Apple TV using its own technology called AirPlay, which works well, but only among Apple products. You can send Apple TV content from a MacBook, iPhone or iPad, for example, but not from a Galaxy S phone or a PC.
That video-slinging ability is more than a neat trick, it's a money saver. Say you don't have cable and want to watch a recent episode of "Burn Notice" on your TV. You can buy it for you set-top box from iTunes for Apple TV or from Amazon Instant Video or M-GO for Roku at $2 in standard definition or $3 in HD (iTunes sells only the HD version).
You can also watch most episodes free on your laptop at usanetwork.com. With video-slinging capability, you can now watch that episode for free on the TV, as well. That's been the killer application for Apple TV, and now Roku is catching up.
However, that is with a lot of caveats: AirPlay works with pretty much all recent Apple computers, phones and tablets. Miracast works with some phones and tablets and some computers, but it isn't immediately apparent or easy to figure out. Still, brining Miracast to Roku could encourage other device makers to get their act together on support.
Follow Sean Captain @seancaptain and on Google+. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
Related Content
Between 4K, OLED, and Smart TV, shoppers have a wide range of options. Then there'...
Best offers
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Roku and Apple TV are the two little boxes that fight for the big cord-cutting (or more likely, cord-supplementing) masses, though they have tackled it in different ways. But with new movie- and TV rental services offerings Roku announced today, and a coming ability to sling video from your computer or mobile device to your TV, Roku is starting to look more like its rival.
(To put this in perspective, though, far more people use a game console or a connected Blu-ray player than a set-top box to get online video to their TVs)
Roku is also launching a new line of streaming boxes that essentially bring higher-end features down to lower-priced models.
MORE: Beyond Netflix: Where Your Shows Are Hiding
Apple TV points you first toward its own iTunes service to buy or rent TV shows and movies, though it has always included Netflix streaming and has been adding more channels, currently up to 25. Starting as simply a Netflix streaming box, Roku has continually added video and music channels, now numbering about 1,000. (Thankfully, Roku also has a good universal search function that covers many of the biggest channels at once.)
New movie and TV offerings
Today, though, Roku announced something like Apple TV's emphasis on iTunes by partnering with movie and TV service M-GO, putting it front-and-center on the home screen, as well as on the remotes for its updated line of streaming boxes.
Like its rivals, M-GO has a healthy selection of recent movies and current TV shows, at similar prices. You can rent a movie like "World War Z," for $3.99 (aka $4) for standard definition and $4.99 (i.e. $5) for HD. (You can also by the movies for around $20 or more.) TV shows like "Burn Notice" are for sale only, at $3 for SD and $4 HD.
MORE: Best Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Yahoo Right Now
As such, M-GO is a good supplement to Netflix, which doesn't usually have the latest movies or current-season TV shows. However, you can get similar offerings, for similar prices, already on Roku via its Amazon Instant Video channel, which isn't going away, nor are any of the other video and TV services.
New streaming boxes upgrade features
The M-Go service will come in a software update in October for the current Roku models and the new models. That lineup largely shifts the features of today's models down a notch to lower-priced new models. For example, the new $60 model, the Roku 1, now gets 1080p. It's predecessor at the same price, the current Roku HD, has only 720p capability. The new $80 model, the Roku 2, now has the wireless remote with headphone jack and dual-band wireless that had heretofore been available only on the current $100 model, the Roku 3 (which recently had an upgrade and is the company's most popular model).
Slinging video to your TV
Roku really starts to look like Apple TV later this year when it gains a capability called Miracast to receive video (and audio) wirelessly from smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Apple has offered that capability for a while on Apple TV using its own technology called AirPlay, which works well, but only among Apple products. You can send Apple TV content from a MacBook, iPhone or iPad, for example, but not from a Galaxy S phone or a PC.
That video-slinging ability is more than a neat trick, it's a money saver. Say you don't have cable and want to watch a recent episode of "Burn Notice" on your TV. You can buy it for you set-top box from iTunes for Apple TV or from Amazon Instant Video or M-GO for Roku at $2 in standard definition or $3 in HD (iTunes sells only the HD version).
You can also watch most episodes free on your laptop at usanetwork.com. With video-slinging capability, you can now watch that episode for free on the TV, as well. That's been the killer application for Apple TV, and now Roku is catching up.
However, that is with a lot of caveats: AirPlay works with pretty much all recent Apple computers, phones and tablets. Miracast works with some phones and tablets and some computers, but it isn't immediately apparent or easy to figure out. Still, brining Miracast to Roku could encourage other device makers to get their act together on support.
Follow Sean Captain @seancaptain and on Google+. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
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Between 4K, OLED, and Smart TV, shoppers have a wide range of options. Then there'...Best offers
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Roku Starts to Look More Like Apple TV - Online Video - Tom's Guide
- Tags :
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- Software
- Internet
- Android
- iPhone
- iPad
- Windows Phone
- Smartphones
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- Browsers
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Sean CaptainSeptember 25, 2013 1:10 AM- Source: Tom's Guide US |
B 0 comment
]]>
Roku and Apple TV are the two little boxes that fight for the big cord-cutting (or more likely, cord-supplementing) masses, though they have tackled it in different ways. But with new movie- and TV rental services offerings Roku announced today, and a coming ability to sling video from your computer or mobile device to your TV, Roku is starting to look more like its rival.
(To put this in perspective, though, far more people use a game console or a connected Blu-ray player than a set-top box to get online video to their TVs)
Roku is also launching a new line of streaming boxes that essentially bring higher-end features down to lower-priced models.
MORE: Beyond Netflix: Where Your Shows Are Hiding
Apple TV points you first toward its own iTunes service to buy or rent TV shows and movies, though it has always included Netflix streaming and has been adding more channels, currently up to 25. Starting as simply a Netflix streaming box, Roku has continually added video and music channels, now numbering about 1,000. (Thankfully, Roku also has a good universal search function that covers many of the biggest channels at once.)
New movie and TV offerings
Today, though, Roku announced something like Apple TV's emphasis on iTunes by partnering with movie and TV service M-GO, putting it front-and-center on the home screen, as well as on the remotes for its updated line of streaming boxes.
Like its rivals, M-GO has a healthy selection of recent movies and current TV shows, at similar prices. You can rent a movie like "World War Z," for $3.99 (aka $4) for standard definition and $4.99 (i.e. $5) for HD. (You can also by the movies for around $20 or more.) TV shows like "Burn Notice" are for sale only, at $3 for SD and $4 HD.
MORE: Best Shows on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Yahoo Right Now
As such, M-GO is a good supplement to Netflix, which doesn't usually have the latest movies or current-season TV shows. However, you can get similar offerings, for similar prices, already on Roku via its Amazon Instant Video channel, which isn't going away, nor are any of the other video and TV services.
New streaming boxes upgrade features
The M-Go service will come in a software update in October for the current Roku models and the new models. That lineup largely shifts the features of today's models down a notch to lower-priced new models. For example, the new $60 model, the Roku 1, now gets 1080p. It's predecessor at the same price, the current Roku HD, has only 720p capability. The new $80 model, the Roku 2, now has the wireless remote with headphone jack and dual-band wireless that had heretofore been available only on the current $100 model, the Roku 3 (which recently had an upgrade and is the company's most popular model).
Slinging video to your TV
Roku really starts to look like Apple TV later this year when it gains a capability called Miracast to receive video (and audio) wirelessly from smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Apple has offered that capability for a while on Apple TV using its own technology called AirPlay, which works well, but only among Apple products. You can send Apple TV content from a MacBook, iPhone or iPad, for example, but not from a Galaxy S phone or a PC.
That video-slinging ability is more than a neat trick, it's a money saver. Say you don't have cable and want to watch a recent episode of "Burn Notice" on your TV. You can buy it for you set-top box from iTunes for Apple TV or from Amazon Instant Video or M-GO for Roku at $2 in standard definition or $3 in HD (iTunes sells only the HD version).
You can also watch most episodes free on your laptop at usanetwork.com. With video-slinging capability, you can now watch that episode for free on the TV, as well. That's been the killer application for Apple TV, and now Roku is catching up.
However, that is with a lot of caveats: AirPlay works with pretty much all recent Apple computers, phones and tablets. Miracast works with some phones and tablets and some computers, but it isn't immediately apparent or easy to figure out. Still, brining Miracast to Roku could encourage other device makers to get their act together on support.
Follow Sean Captain @seancaptain and on Google+. Follow us @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
- 2013 Best Internet TV Comparisons and Reviews
- How to Watch Live TV Online
- 11 Stellar 'Angry Birds' Spinoff Ideas
- Previous5 Reasons Why You'll Never Get Full TV From a Tech Company (Op-Ed)
- Bukito 3D Printer Works On the Go, Upside Down
- Do You Need an iPhone 5s to Play 'Infinity Blade III?'
- iMessage App for Android Raises Massive Security Questions
- Resin: The Next Little Thing for 3D Printing
- NYPD Promotes iOS 7's Anti-Theft Feature, Ignores Other Vulnerabilities
- Who Wants SteamOS?
- Woman 'Without' Fingerprints Can Use iPhone 5s' TouchID
- iPhone Fingerprint Reader Already Hacked
- Microsoft Talks More About 3D Printing in Windows 8.1
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- Xbox Update Allows iOS Devices to Control Console - news
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- Roku HDMI Stick Turns Regular TVs into Smart TVs - news
- Roku Introduces New $50 Streaming Player - news
- How Online Services Can Help Preserve Your Anonymity - news
- Nymi Wristband Unlocks Devices with Heartbeat - news
- BitTorrent Sync Finally Heading to iOS Devices - news
- Symantec Updates 4 Norton Products for Windows 8.1 - news
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- VIZIO Updates Internet Apps Plus Platform - news
- Deus Ex: The Fall Detects Jailbroken Devices, Renders Game Unplayable - news
- PlayOn Service Adds 60 Chromecast Video Channels - news
- Target to Launch Streaming Service in October - news
- Sony Launches 4K Ultra HD Video Service, New TVs - news
- Roku XDS Hands-On Review: Affordable and Powerful HD Streaming - review
- Review: Roku Labs M1000 Soundbridge - review
- What Is Aereo Streaming Video Service? FAQ - review
- 12 Remote Control Apps for Android Devices -
- 14 Fighting Games for Android Devices -
Between 4K, OLED, and Smart TV, shoppers have a wide range of options. Then there'...Best offers
]]>
Tom’s guide in the world
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Ireland
- UK
- About Us |
- Contact Us |
- Legal |
- Term of Use |
- Privacy |
- Advertising |
® 2013 BestofMedia All Rights Reserved.
Ad choices