The Roku Channel Starts Streaming in the United Kingdom

As people all across the globe stay inside their homes, Roku follows Disney+ and launches its Roku Channel. The streaming device producer enters the streaming competition in the United Kingdom this Tuesday.

The channel reportedly offers free access to over 10,000 movies, documentaries, and TV episodes. The forced stay-at-home dilemma thanks to the coronavirus has increased the demand for entertainment.

A Roku streaming player, TV or through pay-TV Sky’s NOW TV device or Sky Q box can stream Roku channels. 

According to the California-based technology company, local British films and series could also be streamed from the new channel.

Among those include, “Ultimate Force”, “Skins”, and even “Homes Under the Hammer.” Meanwhile, other Hollywood hits such as “Get Carter” are also available in the channel.

Aside from that, the channel also features child-friendly content that was curated from TV shows and digital shows.

The new service of the company rivals with giants in the industry such as Netflix and comes following the Disney+ launch.

Rob Holmes, Roku’s vice president of programming, said that ad-supporting streaming is one of the quickest-growing categories of the channel. Adding that the company is excited to enter the game as it offers free entertainment that could rival in the market.

Technology news sites have been covering streaming companies as demand for online entertainment sees a massive spike.

The decision of the company to launch its new channel comes as the world continues to fight the devastating pandemic. It also comes as the British television industry sees a steep decline in advertising.

Holmes clarified that the Roku is also considering the long run for its new channel. Adding that the company did not just enter the game because of the rise in demand.

Another New Player

Aside from Roku, another player in the industry that recently entered the British streaming competition is Disney+. However, back on its debut, Disney faced complaints about its services in its European launch.

However, the company plans to ramp up their game and add more to their already vast collection of films and series.

Despite being struck by the coronavirus, 2020 has still delivered in the field of modern technology as tech companies continue to thrive.

Among the new programs is “Disney Insider”, “Be Our Chef”, “Diary of a Future President”, “Shop Class”, and more. Aside from that, Marvel fans would also be treated with “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” series.

Fans are already eager as it will be the first Marvel original series on the company’s platform. The events of the series would take place after the plot of the blockbuster “End Game.”