Roku recently introduced several new streaming test channels, including news content from several major news broadcasters, as the company expands further into the living room.
The new Roku Newscaster channel offers content from CNN, PBS, NPR, BBC, ESPN, CBS, NBC, CNET and HBO. This service offers easy access to a wide variety of news broadcasting, and should be especially ideal for people who don’t have a cable subscription.
Bigstar.TV will also be included in Roku's streaming service, as Roku hopes users will seek independent films through another subscription service. A few weeks ago, Roku integrated the subscription-based MOG music service, which is available for $4.99 per month. The Roku Radiotime feature gives Roku users the option of listening to local and national radio stations. An official NASA Roku channel has also been unveiled.
Roku is best known for introducing Netflix Watch Instantly to its lineup, but has worked to bring additional partners onboard -- a pivotal step if customers have to purchase a set-top box when so many HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and game consoles now include streaming support.
Roku has already reached agreements with the UFC, Amazon Video On Demand, NBA, MLB, Pandora, Facebook and they offer a Channel Store to allow other providers to get on board. The company is working on additional agreements with more content providers. Expect more announcements later this summer.
I've been impressed with how enthusiastic Roku has been with these recent partnerships and the new test channels that are rolling out. Specifically, I like how it's getting easier to watch news and sports without a cable subscription -- an option that may be appealing as more people look to cut out their cable TV subscriptions.
