Andre Yoskowitz
6 Mar 2014 20:52
Roku has followed up their 2012 Streaming Stick with an updated model that will directly compete with Google's Chromecast HDMI dongle.
The original model sold for $99 but the second-generation model will sell for $49.99. The Chromecast sells for $35 with a limited lineup of applications that is rapidly expanding.
Unlike the Chromecast, the Streaming Stick must also be plugged into the TV's USB port for power aside from being placed in the HDMI port.
The updated Streaming Stick now supports 1080p and will come with an included remote familiar to Roku set-top owners. The remote has quick action buttons for Netflix, Amazon, and strangely, Blockbuster and M-Go.
Roku has a large lineup of channels, including all of the most popular streaming applications and almost 1,200 more. You can "cast" YouTube and Netflix, just like the Chromecast, and control the device from iOS and Android phones and tablets.