Affordable new streaming platform rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in pricing
Roku Launches Ad-Free Streaming Service 'Howdy' in the US
Roku, the popular streaming device manufacturer, has entered the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) market with the launch of its new service, Howdy. Available exclusively in the United States, Howdy offers a vast library of movies and TV shows at a significantly lower price compared to its rivals.
Priced at just $2.99 per month, Howdy's library includes a mix of fairly recent movie releases, classic blockbusters, and popular TV shows. Some of the titles available on Howdy include the Elvis movie, Dirty Dancing, Weeds, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Kids in the Hall.
Roku's founder and CEO, Anthony Wood, stated that Howdy is aimed at meeting the needs of consumers who want to unwind with their favorite movies and shows uninterrupted and on their terms. The service is designed to complement, not compete with, premium services.
Howdy is available on Roku devices, including branded TVs, through a browser at therokuchannel.com, and via the Roku mobile app for Android and iOS. However, it's important to note that Howdy is not available on competing devices like Apple TV, Google TV, or Fire TV Stick at this time.
Roku's success in the streaming market is not new. The company has been well known for its streaming devices and, in latter days, first and third-party TVs. The Roku Channel, another service by Roku, has gained significant traction since its launch in 2017 and is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
While Howdy's availability is currently limited to the United States, Roku has hinted at future expansions to other regions such as the UK, mainland Europe, and other countries. The rollout to other regions, including the UK and Mexico, for The Roku Channel occurred around three years after its launch in the US, suggesting that Howdy might also be extended to other regions in the future.
With its affordable pricing and ad-free viewing experience, Howdy could be a compelling option for consumers looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney.
Technology has become an integral part of our entertainment, with streaming services playing a significant role. Roku's new service, Howdy, falls under this category, utilizing the latest gadgets to provide an ad-free streaming experience at an affordable price.
