Can be controlled by an Alexa and Google Assistant
AirPlay compatibility
The more expensive Ultra has a faster processor (faster menu navigation) and has an Ethernet port for quicker streaming load times.
With the recent release of the HBOMax app on Roku, Roku now our pick for having the most streaming apps available, especially for someone with an iPad or iPhone.
These Roku devices are the only non-Apple players that have the Apple TV+ app, so people who got a 1-year Apple TV+ subscription free with their purchase of an iPhone can watch it on their TV.
And, the AirPlay feature has better streaming integration with iPads and iPhones, and more reliable than Cast.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Amazon.com
- 20% Off Roku Streaming Media Players
Turn any old TV into a smart TV with a Roku streaming media player.
Roku recently updated their devices with Apple AirPlay support, a huge benefit for people with an iPhone or iPad.
Apple AirPlay lets you stream just about anything from your Apple device to the player, in a similar way to Chromecast's "Cast", but more tightly integrated into the Apple device.
For the holiday shopping season, Roku devices are on sale at 20% off, including these that support AirPlay:
Roku may have the best app selection available, with Android a close second.
If you have Apple devices (iPhone, iPad), Roku is the only streaming player that has the Apple TV app, for Apple TV subscribers, without having to pay a premium for the Apple TV player.
A few apps are not available on Roku, such as the HBO Max app, but Apple devices can use AirPlay to cast movies and shows from the HBO Max app to their Roku player.
For a similar deal, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro also dropped in price from $200 to $180 for the holiday season (Newegg, Best Buy).
This Android system supports "Cast" from mobile devices.
The Shield's best feature is its powerful CPU and graphics processor, so navigating Netflix & YouTube TV channels will be zippier, apps will launch quicker, and videos will start faster.
The Shield TV can also be a game console system for playing Android and Geforce Now games (Bluetooth controllers cost extra).
