Meanwhile when Apple, Amazon, and Google have been overshadowing the market with their respective streaming services from the last couple of years; their a bit older kin Roku has been silently topping its game. Roku device has been in the market from around 2012; when there was not any name of Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick. Even by the time when these two streaming services got the fame; Roku still manages to remain a favorite among those fans who value quality over hype. In this article, you will get to read what makes Roku the most popular streaming device. (also read, 5 Best VPN for Roku 2017)
What Makes Roku the Most Popular Streaming Device
Let’s throw some light at some of its newest features and why it continues to be the most popular streaming stick.
Design
The time when the first ever Roku device hit the market in 2012, it was the most affordable and smallest but has some issues too. It was also slow, could not fit into most HDMI ports, and had to be employed with only a few compatible HDTVs. Even though this issue was overcome in the following versions, the difficulties with speed and processing time persisted.
The latest Roku device is smarter and faster with a quad-core processor and several times the performance of the first Roku stick.
Regarding its design, it has also encountered a notable change, exchanging its bright purple case for a benumbed black cover. It now looks more sophisticated and resembles the Amazon Firestick. The Roku stick also comes with an extender cable to plug into the HDMI port of the TV if the Roku stick is too long to fit in the back of the TV set. The device can be connected to a wall outlet and charged with the USB cable that doubles up as a charging system.
Its Remote
Unlike other streaming sticks, the Roku device comes with a remote and an app. The remote is pretty basic but does have beneficial uses like four simple buttons for Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, Sling TV, and Google Play TV and movies. The new Roku remote allows you to plug in your earphones directly into it. This feature is quite useful if you don’t want to disturb family members sitting or sleeping next to you. There is no headphone or microphone jack with the remote on older models though. Read on to know more about what makes Roku the most popular streaming device
The app is a few notches higher than the earlier versions and lets you choose your preferred streaming service from the likes of Netflix and Amazon to rental services like Fandango.
Performance
If speed is your main preference, then the Roku stick performs incredibly fast. Menus and videos load in seconds, and there is hardly any waiting time. Not only is this device faster than any of its earlier versions, but also faster than its Amazon or Chromecast cousins. When you compare the first Roku streaming stick with this small and compact 1080p device, you will be surprised at the world of difference in loading time. The makers of Roku should take more credit for coming up with such a fast and capable streaming device.
The Roku streaming stick works on an open platform and does not need to be connected to a mobile device to be able to perform. It compresses the whole Roku TV OS into a compact, portable device that’s easy on the pocket too. You have more choices in streaming services; and more than 3,000 apps are ranging from Netflix to never-heard-of channels like Made for TV and Firewood Hoarders. With Roku; you get more choices in content than with any other streaming device.
Conclusion- What Makes Roku the Most Popular Streaming Device
The easy and smart interface and the simplistic remote make using the stick more convenient than other streaming devices. Amazon and Chromecast may be the more famous names in the market. But for those who prefer the ease of use and simplicity; the Roku streaming stick remains the most popular streaming device. Which streaming device do you prefer? Let us know by commenting below.(also see,Roku Private Channel Pear Banned: Roku has Now Banned Pear As Well After Removing XTV)
