New Roku Streamers Now Available

The new 2015 Roku 2 (4210) and Roku 3 (4230) streamers we unveiled last week have begun arriving at retailers. Indeed, my local best Best Buy has both on the shelf. For the timing being, these units retain their existing US pricing – clocking in at $70 and $100, respectively. However, with the recent Apple TV price reduction and presumed summer updates, it’s safe to assume we’ll see periodic sales if not an outright drop in the coming months.

For 2015, we see power parity between the Roku 2 and Roku 3… as both feature the same hardware, including a slightly revised enclosure that pretty much maintains the same footprint as the prior editions. Beyond that exterior though, we believe the guts are identical same this time around. Whereas the 2013 Roku 3 was significantly faster and featured newer, better apps than the Roku 2, it looks like we’re on even footing this year. Which brings up the difference in the two models…

The 2013 Roku 3 shipped with a motion control gaming remote and headphone jack, so as not to disturb a sleeping partner. The 2015 Roku 3 bundles a new “Enhanced Remote” that inherits all the power of its predecessor but also packs voice search à la Amazon Fire TV.

Whether or not the $30 premium for a motion control gaming remote featuring earbuds and microphone is worthwhile will largely depend on your needs. However, I suspect most folks who don’t currently possess Roku, which remains our preferred streamer, would be best served by the cheaper Roku 2 (2015). For those with newer Rokus, there may not be enough here to pull the trigger on an upgrade — especially since we expect the new My Feed feature, to make its way to earlier models and it’s highly likely voice search will land on Roku’s iPhone and Android apps. As such, I’ll continue pining away for a Roku 4 or Roku 4K.

http://zatznotfunny.com/2015-04/new-...now-available/

CBS All Access launches on Roku with live streaming and VOD

CBS All Access streaming service is now available for Roku for $5.99 a month. Roku owners can download the app via the Roku Channel Store and sign up here. In addition to streaming new shows like NCIS, The Big Bang Theory and The Good Wife, the service has an extensive back catalog of classic CBS shows like Star Trek, Cheers, Jag and Engadget favorite, Touched by an Angel. Live streaming of CBS affiliates is available in 14 markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Philadelphia with more on the way. If you're not in one of those metropolitan areas, you'll get access to new episodes the day after broadcast. That's a bummer, but CBS says subscribers will have access to additional content during the Grammys, Country Music Awards and Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. All Access is already available for iOS and Android. But, with today's Roku news, you won't have to MacGyver a casting solution to watch MacGyver on your HDTV.