Roku devices got support for Spotify years ago, but lost it in 2017 due to technical issues. That's about to change, though, as Roku pushes out Roku OS 9, which will include Spotify support, according to the release notes. Not all Roku devices will get the support, but the ones that do will be able to access both the free service and Spotify Premium.
Slowly but surely, Sonos has been attempting to turn its home speaker offerings into attractive buys for IoT enthusiasts. Earlier this year, we saw the launch of the Sonos ONE, a smart speaker capable of working with both Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. Not too long ago, Sonos rolled IFTTT support for its smart speakers into beta too. Sonos isn't stopping there, and the next name on its IoT checklist could be a big one indeed: Roku.
Roku's video streamers are about to get a whole lot smarter, with Roku OS 9 previewed along with Google Assistant integration and new support for streaming music services. The big update isn't quite ready for release - instead, Roku is pushing out Roku OS 8.2 for Roku TVs, complete with support for the recently-announced Roku TV Wireless Speakers, among other things - but it already sounds like it's worth waiting for.
Roku has added two new 4K streaming boxes, the Roku Premiere and Roku Premiere+, to its line-up, as well as updating its flagship Roku Ultra player. While rival set-top boxes may be looking to complex features and TV gaming, Roku's new models focus on price for those new to a 4K ecosystem.
Roku has announced a major expansion of its free movie service, making it available to anyone -- even people who don't own a Roku device. You no longer need a Roku set-top box or smart TV to view The Roku Channel thanks to a web and mobile launch. Any smartphone, tablet, or PC can be used to access the channel's new online destination,
Back at CES 2018, Roku announced a new wireless audio platform called Roku Connect. At the time, Roku said it would license this technology to its manufacturing partners like TCL and Element, which make Roku TVs. The company also has some first party plans for Roku Connect, announcing a pair of wireless speakers compatible with Roku TVs today.
With the World Cup in full swing, there's still time to upgrade your TV and get some 4K Ultra HD soccer action going on. There may well be the deal to do just that this weekend, with TCL's 2018 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Roku TV getting a more than tempting cut that brings it down by over a quarter of the usual price.
Google has announced a new update for its Google Play Movies & TV app on Roku, one that brings a new interface similar to the one found on YouTube. The updated interface will start showing up for users this week, chief among the changes being a simplified navigation system with a nav bar on the left side of the display, as well as a more robust genre-browsing experience.
TCL makes TVs that are inexpensive and smart, working with Roku TV tech inside. Today we're taking a peek at the prices of the 2018 collection of Roku TV-embedded TCL televisions. Two different models are out on pre-order right this minute - but you might just want to wait until they're in stores before you actually drop some cash.
Roku has updated its Roku Channel app to add live news coverage, among other things. The channel is, unlike the other apps on the company's platform, Roku's own service for free content, including movies. Both linear and live news content is now available through the Roku Channel, the company announced today; it features the same advertisements used to support other content available through the app.
Sports fans recently got access to a new service that provides games and more for a low monthly fee, cable not required. Called ESPN+, the service offers access to the network's original content, such as 30 for 30, as well as some live games from major leagues and access to events. As of today, the streaming sports platform is now available through Roku devices.
Hulu has expanded device support for its new app, the one containing access to both its on-demand content and its live television channels. The app started arriving several months ago for other platforms and is now available for all of the most commonly used streaming devices. This time around, the company has launched Live TV support for certain LG smart TVs, eliminating the need to use a separate streaming stick or set-top box.