Roku's New Streaming Stick Is Better Than the Other Set

The Internet video streaming market got richer (and a bit more crowded) with yet another set – top box and we are talking about Roku’s new streaming stick, because Amazon’s Fire TV is already old news, even if it just popped up into the world yesterday. Even if the concept of set – top boxes is a bit inappropriate, as our TVs are slimmer and thinner than pizza boxes, we all know what we are talking about and Roku’s first attempts to win this particular niche was the creation of such set top box in the shape of an USB flash stick which, back in the day, lacked a proper jack to use – as it intended to be plugged somewhere in the back of the TV. Unfortunately, TV manufacturers didn’t insert in their products compatible jacks to match Roku’s streaming stick. Instead, tech giants like Google and Apple came with a much simpler idea and that was the HDMI port, which was already a standard feature for most TVs.

But Roku didn’t fall behind much Chromecast for instance, as Roku’s new streaming stick showed up with HDMI connection, $15 dollars more in price, as compared to Google’s version of Internet video streaming stick and… brace yourselves, 1,200 channels you can tune to. So let’s get our numbers right: Chromecast allows you to tune in to 14 video and music services, Apple TV comes with 31 choices, Amazon with 36 choices and Roku with 1,200. And, to add insult to injury (to competitors, we mean), Roku is able to stream a lot of channels you otherwise wouldn’t have access to, provided you use a certain manufacturer. For instance, Chromecast doesn’t stream Amazon Video and Amazon Fire doesn’t allow you access to HBO GO, but Roku is generous and allows you access to all of them and then some.With 1,200 channels, you won’t ever get bored.

Roku’s new streaming stick can be used anywhere and anytime, as once you set up all your accounts, you can take it to a friend’s house and watch a movie there, it’s that simple. Roku’s new streaming stick has a lot of other interesting specs, including a Roku remote control, but stay tuned, as the times goes by, we’re sure we’ll hear more and more about it.