Roku TVs to debut at CES 2014, come pre-loaded with Roku streaming software
Roku has big plans for CES 2014, as the company will unveil its very own Roku RVs, which come pre-loaded with its popular streaming software.
While Roku is well-known for its set-top streaming boxes that work with your existing TV, the company is now expanding its reach and plunging into the hardware business. Roku has teamed up with no less than six manufacturers to develop a line of Roku TVs. The first two partner manufacturers to be announced are TCL and Hisense, with more to follow. The actual TV sets will not go on sale until sometime in the fall, but Roku will give a glimpse into what to expect at CES 2014.
"We've applied the same principles that have made Roku the most popular streaming players in America to TVs. Roku TV removes all of the complicated layers and menus, and unnecessary features and settings that plague smart TVs today, and instead provides a Roku home screen that brings together all content sources," the company explained in a blog post on Monday, Jan. 5.
"Just like Roku streaming players, Roku TV will have full access to the Roku Channel Store filled with more than 31,000 movies and 1,200 channels that feature TV shows and live sports plus news, music, kids, food, science, tech, fitness, foreign language and other programming - more options that all the other Smart TVs in the market."
Roku further touts that its new TV will have only 20 remote-controlled buttons, allowing consumers to interact more easily only with the necessary controls. Moreover, users will be able to use mobile devices to navigate Roku TV through the Roku app for iOS or Android, or support casting standards including DIAL.
Both Hisense and TCL will launch a range of Roku TV with Roku's streaming software pre-loaded (see images above). The user interface (UI) of these new Roku TVs will be along the same lines as the one already used in the various Roku set-top boxes. Roku is also hoping to license its software to other TV manufacturers for an even wider reach.
The first batch of Roku TVs will launch in a range of different sizes from 32 inches to 55 inches, and will carry the Roku branding. The company has yet to provide an exact launch date or pricing details for its Roku TVs, but we'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more.