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The world of smart TVs and streaming devices grows bigger and more complex every day, which makes it all the more enticing to find a brand you can consistently rely on. In our opinion, one of the best companies for all things smart and streaming is Roku. Back in the day, Roku used to only make set-top boxes that you had to plug into your TV. Fast forward a decade or more though, and now Roku is responsible for TVs, soundbars, as well as some of the best streaming devices in the business.
How to set up a Pin on your Roku
Prevent unauthorized purchases on your Roku streaming device and TV
Roku devices have a Channel Store to install streaming apps and games on your TV. Roku makes it easy to find and download channels on your top streaming device. The company also offers an option to set a PIN to prevent guests and children from making unintentional purchases, downloading irrelevant channels, and accessing restricted content on the Roku Channel.
How to use AirPlay to mirror your iPhone or Mac on Roku TV
Wirelessly share content from your iPhone or Mac to a Roku TV
AirPlay is a handy feature to cast media and content from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to a compatible device. Unlike AirDrop, AirPlay isn't limited to Apple devices. Third-party manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Amazon, TCL, and Roku offer AirPlay on their smart TVs and top streaming devices. If you have a Roku streaming device or Roku TV, use the steps below to mirror your iPhone or Mac using AirPlay.
Roku OS 11 introduces an enhanced home screen experience, Photo Streams, and audio improvements
Coming soon to your nearest Roku device
Roku OS is the largest smart TV platform in the US, with over 60.1 million subscribers at the end of 2021. This is despite the limelight being hogged mainly by Google TV and Amazon's Fire TV devices. While Roku is seemingly focusing on making its own TVs, it has not forgotten about its smart TV OS. The company has announced the release of Roku OS 11 today with several major new features and customization options like Roku Photo Streams, Roku Audio, and new sound modes.
Google's Roku workaround is to cram YouTube TV into the YouTube app
The TV is inside the TV — inside the YouTube, inside the Roku
The ongoing drama between Roku and YouTube TV has, frankly, been hilarious — though it's probably not that funny for customers using the platform since the spat resulted last week in Roku kicking YouTube TV off its platform. While Google has urged affected subscribers to spam Roku's support lines asking to get it back, the company has come up with a workaround for the time being: YouTube TV is now available from inside the YouTube app itself on Rokus.That's right, YouTube TV now lives inside the YouTube app on Roku OS. This is hardly a solution, but it does mean that YouTube TV subscribers can get their fix even as negotiations between Roku and Google continue.
Roku announces some new streaming gear and a remote that charges over microUSB
Roku OS 10 is also available starting today
Even as Google continues to grow its TV user base with its latest Chromecast, Roku remains king of the streaming era. As one of the earliest methods for watching apps like Netflix on the big screen, it's no wonder the company dominates entertainment in the living room. Roku is announcing several new products today, including a streaming gadget, a rechargeable remote, a refreshed soundbar, and an updated version of its OS.
Roku introduces two new streaming devices alongside Roku Channel app
Also check out the new Roku OS update
Roku has been a big name in streaming for some time now — it seems like everyone and their mother has at least one Roku device in their house. If you're looking to add one to your home, or just to upgrade your existing streaming experience, you're in luck: the company has announced some hefty new hardware in the new Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar, as well as an OS update and a new standalone streaming app.