Roku Rolls Out A Chromecast Competitor – The Streaming Stick

Last Tuesday, Roku released its newest device, and it’s quite the competition for Google’s Chromecast: The Streaming Stick.  The Stick has a very impressive selection of apps for streaming content, such as the major players like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Amazon Instant.   It will also run my all-time favorite app, PLEX.

This device is different from a similar device Roku offered a couple of years ago that could only operate on Roku-approved TV’s.  This device will work on any TV that has a HDMI input.  Like the Chromecast, you will need to provide a power source, either from a USB port that your TV has, or by plugging a power supply into the wall.

The Streaming Stick is a little more expensive than Chromecast, it has many more apps to choose from than the Chromecast, and the Roku comes with the standard Roku remote control, which is a must-have for me personally.  When I am watching content on a device with a graphic user interface on the TV, I want to have a simple remote to control the device, not a phone or tablet – but others may choose not to add yet another remote to their collection.

According to CNN, Roku has been in talks with TV manufacturers to integrate the technology into TV’s. Anyone who has operated a smart TV and a Roku will tell you, the Roku simply works better.  The Streaming Stick is about the size of a pack of gum and will be available in April.