Roku Channel Store launches with 10 new channels available
One of our favorite set-top boxes, Roku, has just announced that it is launching the Roku Channel Store. The good news for you couch potatoes is that the first 10 channels are free. The open platform for sharing content on TV will allow you to share pictures and video, and listen to Internet radio and podcasts. New channels available to add right now are Pandora, Facebook Photos, Flickr and TWiT (This Week In Tech). Plus, since this is an open platform, developers can jump on the Roku bandwagon to add in getting more channels out.
But here’s the best part: Anthony Wood, CEO and co-founder of Roku, says, “Now content producers and distributors – from single person shops to billion dollar corporations – can deliver their content directly to consumers without having to go exclusively through cable operators, satellite networks or TV affiliates.” Less restriction could mean more of the content you want without paying premiums. When is it available? Existing customers will get a free and automatic upgrade and new Roku customers will get the upgrade as soon as they get their box going. If you own a Roku box and are currently subscribed, let us know what you think of the new channels.
interesting …..
Fantastic! This adds a lot of real functionality (Flickr, Pandora) that would seem laughable to HTPC owners but is really great for the rest of us who prefer simplicity and lack of setup.
Now if only they would add cycling.tv…
i don’t have these new channels, and if i check for upgrade it says i have current already.
Same for me as well.
I’m in the same boat as katiepea and Sam C. No new content yet. Looking forward to it, though.
Same here…no update yet.
maybe i’m just not smart enough, but i can’t seem to figure out how much these “premium” channels cost…. that website SUCKS for answering the most basic question. i wish my xbox360 would just allow me to watch sports live. then i wouldnt need to ever leave the couch.
I also am told I am Up To Date with version 2.3 Bluild 90 on a Model N1101.
So I guess it is not really out yet, OR, they are pushing it out in increments.
Dont know anythin about roku.Srry
Forced an update last night. For those who are getting the “up to date” message, immediately force it to check again. In my case it took 3 tries. (I’m not that stubborn or OCD, I was following instructions from a tweet from Roku)
For me, the win is in having the TWIT network content (though Pandora is awfully nice too). It looks great. I’ll probably start checking out more Revision 3 stuff now than I have in the past. Nice to be able to watch it without tying up a CPU in the process.
Have everything.
Works great.