Roku has announced its latest smart TV device, the Streaming Stick, an HDMI dongle plugs straight into your TV a la Google Chromecast.
You can browse and select channels on the Streaming Stick from your iOS or Android phone or use the bundled Roku remote. Channels available from Roku include BBC iPlayer, 4oD, Demand 5, Now TV, Sky Store and Sky News.
As well as picking from over 700 channels in the UK, you’ll also be able to stream personal media from your phone or tablet.
The previous Roku Streaming Stick, launched in 2012, didn’t offer the same Chromecast-style functionality of this new version. The new 2014 Roku Streaming Stick also lets owners stream content from Netflix and YouTube from their iOS and Android devices.
Jim Funk, senior vice president of product management at Roku adds: “The new Roku Streaming Stick gives consumers more choice for streaming entertainment to the TV than any other device.
“Consumers want a ton of entertainment, an easy way to search for movies and TV shows, and options to control the experience with a remote or mobile device. This new Roku Streaming Stick brings all that and more – and in a tiny form factor.”
The new Roku Streaming Stick is available to buy now and costs £49.99. It’s £50 cheaper than the Roku 3 device which offers similar casting functionality. Its size means it can be discreetly plugged into an HDMI port for those who like their smart TV gadgets to remain out of sight.
Available to buy now, Roku has beaten Google to the punch – as great as Chromecast is it’s still not officially out in the UK. If you want to get your hands on one like we did, you’ll need to head over to the States or import one or have a look on eBay.
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