The gloves are off Chromecast fans, Roku has officially announced the release of their brand new streaming HDMI dongle called the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick. This is Roku's answer to the wildly popular Chromecast, which to be honest, they were smart to release because the Chromecast has been making waves. The 3500R, although a tad more expensive, gives quite a bit more options to those willing to buy. While the Chromecast is great because it comes in under $40 and offers a ton of different ways to get your media onto your TV, the Roku 3500R provides access to over 1,200 channels with plenty of movies for the film buff, loads of TV shows, kids programs, Sports, music and news. You'll also have access to media content through Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbusters streaming video service and a service called Mgo. Did you think the media content would stop there? Of course not. You can also get your content from hulu plus, VUDU, and HBO Go among others.

The Roku takes control and easy management of your media content to the next level, by not only offering touch interface control access to customers by way of the Android app so you can use your device, but it also comes with a Wifi remote so you can control things a little more traditionally if you like. The best part about the remote, is that it has built in RF tech so you don't have to worry about pointing the remote at the TV and hitting just the right angle. I rarely run into that issue myself with my standard TV remote, but it does happen. With the Roku remote it's not even an issue.


Pair all this greatness with the streaming quality of up to 1080P HD, and the dual-band wireless N with extended range which should provide you with a seamless and uninterrupted(hopefully) viewing experience, and the Roku 3500R sounds like a winner. If you tend favor your media comes from places like Netflix or Amazon Instant Video, you'll also get dedicated access buttons to those on the remote so you can open those services as soon as you power on your TV. Right now the Roku 3500R Streaming Stick is available for purchase for $49.99. We've provided a handy Amazon link for you at the bottom, which says the product usually ships within 6-8 days, but obviously quicker if you have Prime. If you're not sold on the Roku and would rather go for the cheaper Chromecast option,(now available in the UK) there's a link for that as well. All in all the Roku 35ooR looks to be a great little device that can provide much more content to users than Chromecast, of course it all depends on what it is you want to watch and how you care to access it.