Roku has recently released a second generation streaming media hub that redesigns and redefines the entire device. Based on the overhaul, it looks like Roku has taken a page or two (or all) from Apple’s second generation streaming media hub.
Roku 2 is smaller, lighter and easier to set up. It offers up to 1080p and offers digital audio over HDMI. Sound familiar? It is practically the same make-over that Apple gave its redheaded stepchild, Apple TV, in 2010. While they are two different hubs, offering different services, there is no denying that Roku is doing what they can to stay above the competition that ATV 2 has brought to the table.
In addition to being smaller, lighter, and easier to hook up, Roku 2 has redesigned the remote for game play capabilities, and yes, offers games. There are also additional channels to add to the nearly 300 that already exist in the first gen model including, Angry Birds, Facebook, Major League Soccer, AOL HD, and FoxNews.com. There is also an SD card slot for adding memory. This will come in handy when Roku starts offering more downloadable games in the future.
I’ve always championed the ATV2 to friends because of its unassuming size, ease of set up and remarkably low price tag, but now that Roku 2 is on the market, the line is not as clear. Here is a comparison of some, but not all, features of both media hubs:
Apple TV 2
- Streaming Netflix, MLB, NBA, plus other channels that offer pay-per-play shows
- Flickr
- Last FM
- YouTube
- Podcasts, Internet Radio
- iTunes TV & Movie Rentals
- Wireless access to your computer to watch iTunes-compatible movies
- AirPlay Capability (Stream movies, photos, music from iPad or iPhone)
- 720p
- Price: $99
Roku 2
- Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, UFC, CNet, etc.
- Pandora
- Angry Birds
- MP3tunes
- MOG
- SD Card Slot for future downloadable games or other apps
- USB Port
- Up to 1080p (only available on $79.99 & $99 model)
- Price: $59.99, $79.99, $99.99
So, you can see that each box offers different capabilities. If you are a heavy iTunes TV and movie renter or buyer, Apple TV 2 is for you. If you like to watch TV and movies via media streaming websites like Hulu or Amazon, get the Roku 2. If you have an iPad or iPhone, Apple TV is a must-have for things like, streaming the Pandora app, Slacker Radio, watching videos from Project Magazine, displaying a slideshow of your newest iPhone pictures. If you are like me, just get both. They are relatively inexpensive and both will keep you as happy as a clam.
As a rival to ATV 2, Roku 2 is a hot competitor, but if I know Apple fans the way I think I do, there will not likely be a big influx of ATV 2 owners dropping their device off at the e-waste recycling plant any time soon.
If Apple is worried about how Roku 2 will affect future sales, how about giving us that OS that we have always wanted. You know, the one that lets third-party developers make apps specifically designed for Apple TV? I’ve been waiting for almost a year for that update (Hulu Plus on Apple TV, anyone?).
via High-Def Digest
