Roku yesterday announced their third-generation set-top box, and Apple TV competitor, Roku 3, with new features like a brand new interface and motion gestures for its remote.

roku3
Like previous Roku boxes, the newest version also hosts entertainment apps like Hulu Plus, HBO GO, Amazon Instant Video, Netflix and more, in addition to music streaming apps like Spotify and Pandora.

The big new addition, however, is a brand new interface with a new search function. Search now allows users to search by movie title, director, actor and more and pulls in information from all of the installed apps. Once the user finds something they're looking for, they're able to watch it on whichever app they like.

roku_3_interface
The company has also included a motion controller, much like the controllers for Nintendo's Wii game console, so that users can play games like the bundled Angry Birds Space. The controller also has a headphone jack that allows users to plug in the included earbuds and listen to their programming without disturbing others.

Roku also claims that the box consumes less power than a nightlight when streaming, has dual-band wireless for fast streaming and is the most powerful box they've built.

Although the Roku has 750 apps, more than the handful available on Apple TV, Business Insider says that Roku doesn't have a feature similar to AirPlay.

On the flipside, Roku doesn't work as well with mobile devices as the Apple TV does. You can't wirelessly beam content from your smartphone or tablet to your Roku like you can with Apple TV.

The new Roku 3 is $99, in line with Apple TV pricing, and will begin shipping in April.

Top Rated Comments

JaySoul Avatar
140 months ago
That headphone jack in the remote is such a great idea!
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
140 months ago
See the kinds of little niceties that can be innovated when you have a team focused on a product line instead of treating it as a hobby? I wish Apple would take a tiny fraction of that war chest and put a dedicated team together that focuses on nothing but :apple:TV. I'd like to see what the "hobby" would look like after a year or two of dedicated attention.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JaySoul Avatar
140 months ago
No. But if I'm using headphones I might as well use my MacBook or iPad instead of the TV.

It's neat but not a must have.

If you use your MacBook or iPad to watch something, you subsequently can't use it for much else.

I have the TV on and do stuff on my MacBook or iPad at the same time.

Failing to understand your original point here.

----------

Maybe you should turn up the TV louder so they don't fall asleep in the first place! :D

Maybe they should make better TV programmes! :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JaySoul Avatar
140 months ago
I use my iPhone as an ATV3 remote, it's also got a headphone jack...

Can you listen to the audio on the iPhone whilst watching the AirPlayed video on Apple TV?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DDaddyx2 Avatar
140 months ago
Please, Apple, add more service providers to Apple TV so I am not jealous of Roku. Amazon Instant, Spotify, Pandora....come on!!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
140 months ago
I don't have a roku - but two things would make it "perfect" for me

1 - ability to add a tv tuner or built in tv tuner
2 - be able to use usb to attach a hard drive to record (DVR)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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