Roku, The Company That Bested The Apple TV, Has A New Streaming Dongle That Only Costs $50

Roku, the company that makes set-top boxes that can turn any TV into a Web-connected smart TV for streaming video, has a new product called the Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI) that will do mostly the same thing for just $50.

The Roku Streaming Stick, which is a little bigger than a thumb drive, plugs into your TV's HDMI port, but needs a power source to work. You can plug it into the wall or a USB port if your TV has one. It's very similar to Google's Chromecast streaming gadget that launched last year.

Roku has over 1,200 streaming channels, including all the standard ones like Netflix and HBO GO. The company recently added YouTube too.

Roku announced the Roku 3 set-top box last year. The Roku 3 got amazing, reviews. In fact, it's better than the Apple TV. Other Roku products will be getting a selection of updates as well. Roku's first streaming box is getting a $10 price cut dropping from $59 to $49 while the Roku 2 and Roku 3 streaming box will have more features but stay at the same price.

The new Roku Streaming Stick (HDMI) will go on sale this April. It's available now for pre-order on Amazon.