Roku today introduced a new $50 HDMI streaming-stick to compete directly with Google's Chromecast and give consumers a significantly cheaper alternative to the Apple TV.

The new streaming stick is a sequel of sorts to a stick that Roku introduced last year that only worked with select Roku-ready TV's. The new stick comes with a full-fledged remote control and largely replicates the functionality of the full-sized Roku 3 set-top box, though it lacks an Ethernet jack and support for gaming. Users get access to more than 1,000 Roku channels, including Plex, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon, Spotify, Major League Baseball, Showtime, WatchESPN and many more.

Rokustick

"The new Roku Streaming Stick gives consumers more choice for streaming entertainment to the TV than any other device," said Jim Funk, senior vice president of product management at Roku. "Consumers want a ton of entertainment, an easy way to search for movies and TV shows, and options to control the experience with a remote or mobile device. This new Roku Streaming Stick brings all that and more – and in a tiny form factor."

The Roku Streaming Stick connects to the Internet via 802.11n Wi-Fi and plugs into the USB port present on most modern flat-screen TVs for power. It is available for pre-order for $50 from Roku's website or on Amazon.com. It will begin shipping in April.

Top Rated Comments

dannyyankou Avatar
148 months ago
Do I see a Blockbuster button on that remote? LOL
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doctor Q Avatar
148 months ago
Now that it's so easy to plug in a little device for access to web content, there is less and less need for TVs to have these features built-in. I'd rather have a separate device that I can replace or upgrade.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Orlandoech Avatar
148 months ago
To bad roku is awful. The lag and faulty ethernet made me loose support for Roku, I will stick with ATV and airplay.

So you gets defective product and you bail? I bet if you got a defective apple product, you'd commend them for how awesome they were for giving you a replacement or fixing it. Lol.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
milo Avatar
148 months ago
I'm still waiting for Roku support of multiple netflix profiles. Come on guys, is it really that hard?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
k1121j Avatar
148 months ago
love my Apple TV however excited another device to stick it to the cable companies and networks who refuse to get with the times
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JoEw Avatar
148 months ago
To bad roku is awful. The lag and faulty ethernet made me loose support for Roku, I will stick with ATV and airplay.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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