WNA

Roku’s new Streaming Stick works with most TVs for $50, notes Engadget. The company essentially crammed their Roku 1 box into a $50 dongle.

While it’s not quite as cheap as the $35 Google Chromecast stick, it plays more streaming content, from over 1,000 niche channels of video programming.

The Stick also ships with free Roku apps for Android and iOS devices.

That means users can stream Netflix, YouTube and personal media from their phones and tablets to a TV.

Additional mobile features are promised, such as the ability to cast content from a computer to the TV.

Roku has a better selection of mainstream channels than rivals like Apple’s $99 TV box since it allows access to Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBO GO, Amazon Prime Instant Video, Vudu, Redbox Instant and others.

Why pay a loathsome service provider like Comcast $120/month when a tablet with a few $8/month subscription services can do the job?

The new Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI version) is $49.99 and available for pre-order now. It will ship to consumers and arrive in retails stores in April.