Roku’s new streaming stick is now shipping in the US online from Roku, Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart. A few other outlets have now reported the news, but I happened to hear the information first hand from Ed Lee, Roku’s vice president of content acquisition, at a Light Reading conference today in Denver. As a reminder, the new streaming stick rings in at $50, or $15 more than Google’s Chromecast device. However, the content options are superior, with apps that include WatchESPN and Amazon Instant Video. The Roku stick also comes with its own non-smartphone remote control and is powered via microUSB. Thanks to a major update to Roku’s mobile apps this week, you can also enjoy universal search capabilities.
Availability of the new Roku streaming stick in stores is still expected in early April.
How much is the SKU without the dedicated service buttons on the remote?
Interestingly, the International version of the Roku Streaming Stick does not have sponsored placements. Looks like the only remote you can buy without the buttons here is the prior generation remote (for $15) and step up to the Roku 3 with gaming remote that is probably very rarely used for gaming. The Blockbuster still intrigues me – is a time based contract still in effect? Or is this how DISH intends to brand their upcoming Internet TV service (should it launch)?
“Looks like the only remote you can buy without the buttons here is the prior generation remote (for $15)”
Huh. I was joking, but it’s nice to see that you actually can opt out for 15 bucks.
“The Blockbuster still intrigues me – is a time based contract still in effect? Or is this how DISH intends to brand their upcoming Internet TV service (should it launch)?”
Neither.
Pushing the Blockbuster button engages drones, satellites, and lasers in co-ordination to time-travel you back to 1995 and space-travel you to your nearest Blockbuster.
The future is drones, satellites, and lasers. And the future is here today.
How does the streaming stick compare to Roku’s other offerings? In other words what is the consumer giving up by only spending $50 on the streaming stick vs. up to $100 on the Roku 3.
@Daniel: It’s slower, doesn’t have an ethernet port, and won’t work with an IR remote.
Also the roku3 has a motion-enabled remote that works with their headphones.
Not sure if the new netflix experience (with profiles) and Youtube works on the roku stick or not.
The motion control is probably worthless most of the time, if not all – not sure how many people are gaming. But the extra horse power and headphone jack, along with additional networking and audio options, might make the 3 a better buy. I like to think of it this way… For me in a prime viewing location, Roku 3. For my mom, Roku Stick.
Nah. The roku3 is better than the stick in every way except price.
Choice between roku1/roku2 and the stick is probably more interesting.
Here’s what I’m wondering. Obviously the stick has an RF remote since you’ll need that if it’s plugged in to the tv. In comparison to my Roku 3, my Roku 1 uses a line of sight remote. Strange that they left that out considering that the stick is pretty much the same price as the Roku 1
Also, I’m wondering if the stick uses profiles in Netflix like the Roku 3, because as of this point, the Roku 1 doesn’t