Roku Netflix player gets Facebook, radio and Web video support
Roku’s digital video player has been mainly used for Netflix video watching. However, the company recently announced plans to add 10 additional channels allowing users to do more than just watch movies. The update would offer Roku player users integrated access to Facebook content, Web radio and video support.
Roku’s player practically sold out when it was first announced last year. The affordable set top box priced at $99, was one of the first devices to provide Netflix Watch Instantly streaming capabilities. However, since then, Roku has added additional capabilities to stream MLB.TV and Amazon Video on Demand.
According to Mercury News, Roku is planning on rolling out 10 additional channels that would make the box much more versatile. Users will be able to view pictures straight off Flickr and Facebook pages. Also, the company is planning on adding Internet radio from Pandora as well as Web video support.
Apparently, this is Roku’s attempt at opening up the box to outside developers. With more developers showing interest, Roku’s player could potentially become a full fledged competitor to a regular cable set top box. The company is planning on offering these additional channels for free without any additional cost to the Netflix account. Other similar devices that offer Netflix service is the Sony PS3 and the Xbox 360. Streaming videos is quickly becoming the most convenient method for watching movies. However, there are still some barriers to getting HD quality videos over the existing Internet infrastructure.
It’s great to see Roku trying to diversify its player by adding additional capabilities. Netflix’s Watch Instantly service is great and convenient; however one huge drawback is its selection. Netflix has only converted part of its category into digital streaming format, leaving a large chunk unavailable through the service. With Roku offering these additional services, the player should get heavily utilized for other purposes as well.
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November 23rd, 2009
Sounds like they’re getting desperate to stay relevant. More and more TVs & Bluray players can stream Netflix & Pandora, eliminating the need for yet another box. I wonder how many people would update FB via their TV (the Roku box) v. their in-hand cell phone that’s with them everywhere they go.