The Roku Streaming Stick

The Roku Streaming Stick is a little USB stick that packs a processor, memory, software and Wi-Fi to virtually transform your regular old television into a smart TV. The Streaming Stick give you access to all of Roku’s 400+ channels. It streams video in 1080p and includes a Broadcom mobile chip. Roku says that you should not see any difference in performance between the Streaming Stick and their other devices.

The Streaming Stick does lose many of the extra ports you would find on Roku’s other streaming devices. A major drawback is that you still need an MHL-enhanced HDMI port on your TV to use the Streaming Stick. MHL is a proposed industry standard that uses the HDMI port on a television to deliver power to mobile devices while they are plugged in. These are only available on new TVs.

This year Roku introduced gaming onto its platform, this platform will be available to Roku Streaming Stick owners as well. The Stick can be used with your current TV remote, so gamers will not need to spend more money on a Roku Gaming remote.

Roku said the Streaming Stick will be available in the latter half of 2012 and have not decided on pricing just yet. Some people are guessing that it should be no more than $100.

Do you see a Roku Streaming Stick in your future?