Roku 2 is a streaming video box that’s been radically redesigned, and its newest and hottest feature is the ability to play that goofy but fun game, Angry Birds. Included with this device that’s scarcely larger than a hockey puck is a brand-new game remote with an accelerometer on board. That lets you control objects on the screen using gestures, much like the Nintendo Wii.
For our review, Roku sent us its $99.99 Roku 2 XS model, the top-of-the-line unit that includes an Ethernet port, a USB port for playing video, music and photos from an external storage device, and that new game remote along with the Angry Birds software. The least-expensive model is the Roku 2 HD, a $59.99 box that’s limited to 720p resolution. The middle model, the Roku 2 XT is $79.99, and adds 1080p video playback. Here’s a Roku product matrix to help you keep the three models straight.
Connecting the Roku 2 is a simple process of plugging in its power cable and then connecting Ethernet (or not if you’re using its on-board Wi-Fi) and HDMI cables to your TV or home theater receiver. The tedious part of the setup is getting the Roku acquainted with your various credentials on services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Pandora.
Aside from its newfound gameplaying capabilities and radical design changes, the Roku 2 interface and sources are almost identical to its predecessor. It does an admirable job of playing high-definition content from Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus and lots of other video sources that you can see listed here.
As a longtime Roku user, I’ve always admired its simple interface, allowing you to quickly select sources, and skip forward or rewind video playback with ease. Both its 802.11n Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections work well, and overall, it’s a worthy addition to any home theater with one caveat: If you’d like to watch YouTube videos using Roku, you’re out of luck.
The big new feature for this Roku 2 XS is its Angry Birds game, the only game so far for Roku. I’m a big Angry Birds aficionado, so I had great fun playing this Roku version, which adds more physicality to an already excellent game.
The accelerometer in this new remote is accurate and sensitive, and lends itself well to Angry Birds mayhem. To launch a bird, you press and hold the OK button while gesturing with your hand pull to back the slingshot. When you let go of the OK button, you’ve launched a bird on its way toward slaying those porcine scoundrels lurking underneath various woodwork and icy planks. This is big fun.
Roku is tightlipped about what’s in store for this nascent gaming platform, but I think its future is bright. You’ll be able to play against an opponent using an additional controller in future games, and if Roku can attract developers to create good content for this platform, it could be a promising and relatively low-cost way to play some engaging games.
Although the Roku 2 can’t play the variety of video files (such as .mkv files) that competing boxes such as the WD TV or the Boxee Box can, for streaming Netflix and Hulu videos — and now for playing Angry Birds — it can’t be beat.
Roku 2 Gallery
Connect Roku 2 to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and feed that 1080p video to your TV or receiver via HDMI. There's room for a micro SD card for game and settings storage, too.
Roku 2 Front
It's slightly larger than a hockey puck.
The Purple Tab
The tab has no function, but is a quirky design touch that I like.
USB Port
This is a streaming box, but there's a USB port for plugging in an external drive or future peripherals.
Underside
Its rubber pad keeps this diminutive device from slipping around too much.
Two-Shot
This is the first time I've seen a remote that's bigger than the device it controls.
Remote
It's new, shiny and has an accelerometer on board.
Slot for Strap
Roku recommends attaching the included purple strap in this slot, to keep from smashing your TV while engaging in vigorous game play.
Like a TiVo Bone
The shape of the remote's underside makes it fit perfectly in the hand.
Move It!
It's like a magic wand.
Angry Birds Loading Screen
It takes 23 seconds to load Angry Birds.
Cursor Control
You control the cursor with hand motions.
Angry Birds
It feels just like the iPhone version, but that hand control takes a bit of training.
Flipping the Bird
Hold the OK button, pull back with a hand gesture, and let the bird fly by letting go of the OK button.
Roku Interface
It's largely unchanged from previous versions, but pleasant to use.
Netflix
The best channel among many on Roku.
Pandora Radio
Another fave is Pandora. Missing? YouTube! Too bad.
More About: games, hands-on, home theater, netflix, pandora, review, roku 2 xs, streaming video, video
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