The Roku has only been around for a few years now. And one of the main reasons why I haven’t bought one is because there was no YouTube app. Otherwise, it’s a great set top box, with tons of content to watch. However, today, YouTube finally submitted their app into the Roku Channel Store. YouTube is pretty much the final piece of the streaming puzzle for Roku, as they’ve already got just about every other service onboard, which includes Netflix, Vevo, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more.
The new YouTube app allows Roku owners to stream HD videos, as well as access to all YouTube Channel subscriptions after logging into your YouTube account. There’s also the “Send to TV” feature that allows you to push whatever you’re watching on your smartphone or tablet over to your TV. Similar to how you can toss stuff over to the Chromecast from the YouTube Android and iOS apps.
It’s interesting as to why YouTube took so long to put their app on Roku. Perhaps it was to help Google sell more Chromecasts? Who knows, but I wouldn’t put that past them. But then why would they release it now when the Chromecast is pretty much only available in the US? Kind of odd. But hey, the Roku is pretty popular. In fact, I think it’s the most popular set-top box out there. Even people that aren’t tech savvy like those of you reading this, know about the Roku and even own one. They also have several different set-top boxes at different price points. In fact you can buy them all from Amazon. That includes the Roku 1, Roku 2, Roku 3, and the Roku HD.
Whatever the reason is, YouTube is now available on the Roku, which is good as we’re seeing more and more original content pop up on YouTube now. Make sure you subscribe to Android Headlines on YouTube as well! How many of you own a Roku? Are you excited to see YouTube now available on your Roku?