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.
The Roku Channel, which was announced back in September, will be available on some Samsung smart TVs this year. That marks the channel's launch outside of the Roku hardware ecosystem, giving Samsung owners access to the same ad-supported channel enjoyed by Roku Streaming Stick and set-top-box owners. According to the company, Roku Channel is one of its top 20 channels, making it a "tremendous" success for the platform.
Back at CES 2018, TCL revealed its news 6-series line of TVs. The successor to last year's P6-series, this new line up of TVs looks to keep some of the features that make TCL stand out from the crowd (like a low price), while tossing a little more into the mix. Today, we're finding out just when the 6-series will launch, and its release is coming up quickly.
![YouTube TV Roku support arrives, but Apple TV is still pending [UPDATE]](https://c.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/youtube_TV_main.jpg)
As promised back in December, the first quarter of this year has brought YouTube TV to the Roku platform. The service's app launched in the Roku Channel Store this morning, giving streaming stick, set-top-box, and smart TV owners the opportunity to watch YouTube's livestreaming TV service via their favorite media device. Support for Apple TV is schedule to arrive in coming weeks, too.
As expected, TCL has unveiled a bunch of new Roku-based products at CES 2018, not the least of which is the new TCL Roku Smart Soundbar that Roku recently teased in its own announcement. The new lineup includes refreshed Roku smart TVs for the 2018 year, including models that pack Dolby Vision HDR support and the new iPQ Engine. The TVs span two different series: the 6-Series and the 5-Series.