Roku fires back at Chromecast in latest app update, can now stream locally stored content from Android devices
Roku may have been dealt a crushing blow with the release of the insanely affordable Google Chromecast, but they’re not down for the count. The tiny streaming player has come back with a 1-2 punch, hitting the Chromecast right in its dongle by addressing the Cast’s biggest shortcoming — lack of support for locally stored streaming.
In an update hitting the official Roku app today on Google Play, Android users will now be able to stream content stored on their Android devices — pictures, movies, and music — straight to their Rokus players. A similar update already hit iOS devices last month and while it’s great that it’s finally arrived for Android devices, there are some caveats. First off, only a small list of Roku players support the wireless streaming, and there’s an equally small list of Android devices supported by the app. Below you can find the full list of supported Roku players as well as Android devices.
Supported Roku players
- Roku 3
- Roku 2
- Roku LT
- Roku HD (model 2500)
- Roku Streaming Stick
Supported Android devices
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Nexus 4
- HTC One
- Nexus 7 (2012 model)
Despite being touted as an online streaming player, locally stored content has been one of the Chromecast’s sore spots ever since it was announced a few weeks ago. You may remember the drama with Clockwork Mod developer Koush who, after introducing local streaming via his an unofficial Chromecast app, was later shot down by Google’s Chromecast developers in a recent update to the device.
While the Roku might not be able to compete in pricing alone, Roku still has a leg up on the competition thanks to officially supported services like Hulu, HBO Go, Vudu, Amazon Instant, and more. Local streaming is just the icing on the cake.