Roku, the maker of small streaming media boxes, has adapted the platform for Smart TVs. First unveiled at CES, TCL and Hisense are now launching Smart TVs based on the Roku software.
Roku Smart TVs are here
Roku offers access to streaming services such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and many many more through small streaming players. Now they are entering Smart TVs with the very same software platform.
This means that all the Roku apps will be available instantly on TVs from Chinese TCL and Hisense that are Roku’s launch partners. Roku has even expanded the platform to power the entire TV experience, meaning the user interface also integrates your cable TV channels, Blu-ray players and game consoles.
Roku currently has 1700 streaming apps, far more than the Apple TV. Roku says that “content providers benefit from developing their streaming channel once for the Roku platform and having it instantly available across all Roku devices – so that’s Roku players, The Roku Streaming Stick and Roku TV models”.
TCL and Hisense’s Roku-based Smart TVs are rolling out in US stores very soon, starting at $229 for a 32-inch model. 40, 48, 50, and 55-inch models will be available in the coming weeks. A 48" model will sell for $499.
