Roku is a digital streaming device that connects to your TV and provides access to thousands of online services including Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more. The device runs on its own Roku OS and offers a user-friendly interface for watching movies, TV shows, and other content. There is also the Roku TV OS, this operating system is installed on the TV, allowing you to use the Roku directly on your TV without having to buy a separate device.
History and Evolution of Roku
Roku was founded in 2002 by Anthony Wood, an entrepreneur focused on developing digital services through new devices. However, the company’s real success came in 2008 when it partnered with Netflix to release its first streaming device. At that time, streaming services were just beginning to gain popularity, and the idea of a compact device that could turn a standard TV into a smart one quickly caught on. Major market players were slow to enter this segment due to the bureaucratic approval processes typical of large corporations. By being one of the first to offer a streaming solution, Roku secured its place in the industry.
Over time, Roku expanded its lineup with increasingly advanced models. In 2014, the company introduced the first Roku TVs with built-in streaming capabilities. These TVs were manufactured by third-party companies but ran on the Roku OS. Later, Roku-branded TVs also became available to consumers. By 2020, the company had grown into one of the largest manufacturers of streaming devices in the world. Today, Roku not only produces its own media players but also licenses its software to smart TV manufacturers under fairly flexible terms, which has contributed to the widespread adoption of Roku-powered TVs.
How Does Roku Work?
Roku connects to your TV via HDMI and uses Wi-Fi or Ethernet to access the internet. It offers a user-friendly interface with access to various streaming services, some of which require a subscription. Users can download and install apps, known as “channels,” and search for movies and TV shows using the universal search function.
One of Roku’s key advantages is that the company develops its own channels (apps) for its devices, enabling access to thousands of services without waiting for the service providers to create their own applications. This significantly reduces delays and allows Roku to offer channels that may not be available on smart TVs from brands like Samsung or LG.
Some Roku models include additional features such as voice control, support for 4K and HDR streaming, and the ability to listen privately through headphones using the Roku mobile app.
Roku Features
One of Roku’s biggest advantages is support for a huge range of streaming services, including free movie and TV show platforms. When it comes to streaming devices, there are quite a few. It can also be noted that Roku does not require a subscription – users pay only for the streaming services they choose.
Despite its strengths, Roku has some drawbacks. The interface includes ads and recommended content, which can annoy some users. Compared to competitors such as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, Roku has limited smart home integration, with fewer advanced features for IoT devices.
Who should buy a Roku?
Let’s face it, the choice of Roku or FireStick or an Android device depends on the user, all these devices offer very similar functionality, but there is more usage inertia at work here, if a user has already used a Roku the likelihood of buying a new Roku device is very high. If we talk about the cost of subscriptions, they do not differ much as the subscription cost is set by the streaming service.
