Roku has announced its free streaming channel is now be available beyond native own set-top boxes and branded TV sets running the Roku OS.
The Roku Channel, which offers unlimited access to an array of TV shows and movies, is now available via the web, smartphones and tablets in the US. Rather than launching a dedicated app for the platform, Roku is making the content available through TheRokuChannel.com.
Visitors will either need to sign in, or create a Roku account, but after that it’s smooth sailing. There’s actually a decent array of content available. The company adds a host of new content each week, so it’s definitely worth checking out before you re-up that Netflix subscription on the lookout for something to watch.
Headlining this month’s offering of 22 new movies is the The Matrix Trilogy, while 50 First Dates, the A Nightmare On Elm Street reboot and Wayne’s World 2 are also available. Existing offerings include Hotel Rwanda, School of Rock, Bill, Stuart Little, Trainspotting, Foxy Brown and way more. There’s even a load of animated content like Street Fighter Alpha Generations, Iron Man, Hellboy, Tekken and Ghost in the Shell.
Related: Roku Streaming Stick Plus review
If you’re looking to access the content from your Roku Player or Roku TV, it an be downloaded from the Roku channel store. Until now, the content has been a reward for those folks who’ve shelled out for the company’s branded hardware, but now it’s available for all.
It’s a canny way to get folks to sign up for Roku accounts, in the hope they’ll take the plunge on a Roku-based TV and set-top box eventually. There’s nothing like giving away stuff for free to gain favour with potential customers.
Unfortunately Roku isn’t making the channel available to UK viewers at present, but we’ll keep you posted on whether the company introduces a similar free streaming option for Brits.
Do you own a Roku product? Have they got the beating of similar offerings from Apple, Amazon or Google? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
