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  "path": "/tech/roku-low-cost-netflix-rival-more-devices",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-11T05:31:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "budget-friendly streaming service called Howdy",
    "Roku cuts the price on streaming sticks",
    "Cord Cutters News",
    "Best VPN deals",
    "Incoming WhatsApp update will let AI summarise your messages",
    "Google is killing off free tool to check if hackers know your email",
    "Freely strikes deal with Roku to bring Freeview replacement to more TVs",
    "NordVPN launches secure new feature",
    "Hub Entertainment Research",
    "positioning it to become the main hub of your entire home",
    "expansion of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels on Roku devices",
    "added five other new channels for at no extra cost",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nRoku has just made it easier for you to stream without owning one of its devices.\n\nThe US-based company has launched a brand-new standalone mobile app for its budget-friendly streaming service called Howdy — a cheerfully-named new streaming service that's designed to take on more established players like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, and Apple TV+, to name just a few.\n\nThe standalone app means you can watch on the go, whether you're commuting or travelling, without being tied to any particular hardware. Previously, you could only access Howdy if you had a Roku-powered TV, streaming stick, or used the main Roku app.\n\n  * Roku cuts the price on streaming sticks\n\n\n\nGil Fuchsberg, President of Subscriptions, Partnerships and Corporate Development at Roku, said: \"At a time when most things are getting more expensive, Howdy is designed to make premium, ad-free streaming more affordable and accessible for all viewers. Launching the Howdy mobile app on iOS and Android enables us to continue growing the service beyond the Roku platform, bringing Howdy's unique value and quality entertainment to even more viewers.\"\n\nHowdy costs just $2.99 a month, that's roughly £2.40, although Roku hasn't confirmed a UK release date or price yet. It's now available on both iPhones and Android phones\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite costing almost half the standard subscription for Disney+, Prime Video or Netflix, Howdy is promising access to 10,000 hours of TV shows, films, and documentaries from major entertainment brands, like Warner Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, and FilmRise. Better still, parent company Roku insists the $2.99 fee is here to stay — this isn't an eye-catching introductory rate that'll skyrocket in a few months.\n\nThis month's highlights include _Edge of Tomorrow_ , _Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family,_ and the beloved classic _When Harry Met Sally_.\n\nEarlier in March, Howdy also became available as an add-on subscription through Prime Video in the US, joining over 100 other streaming options on that platform.\n\nIndustry expert Luke Bouma from Cord Cutters News pointed out: \"This progression reflects Roku's ongoing efforts to extend the service's reach beyond its native platform. By making Howdy accessible through mobile devices, the company seeks to meet viewers wherever they prefer to watch, whether at home or during commutes and travel.\"\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * **Best VPN deals**\n  * Incoming WhatsApp update will let AI summarise your messages\n  * Google is killing off free tool to check if hackers know your email\n  * **Freely strikes deal with Roku to bring Freeview replacement to more TVs**\n  * NordVPN launches secure new feature\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn a recent study by Hub Entertainment Research, Roku now powers 55% of streaming devices in US households, with Amazon's Fire TV just behind at 35% — positioning it to become the main hub of your entire home.\n\nJason Platt Zolov, Senior Consultant for Hub, said, \"TVs are the biggest screen and are best positioned to be 'the brain' to help coordinate things across the home. Leading TV operating systems have an opportunity to develop enhanced AI-partnerships across devices that will only make consumers happier.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe streaming company is constantly updating its service with new content to watch, too.\n\nFor instance, The Roku Channel has added 22 new live channels to its lineup. This ad-supported channel is available to anyone with _no_ need to create an account, pay a monthly subscription, or enter credit card details for a free trial – it's 100% free of charge. The new additions are part of a recent expansion of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channels on Roku devices, which started in October.\n\nFAST channels are increasingly popular in the UK, offering a terrestrial-like viewing experience over a decent Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. But unlike the biggest UK broadcasters, there's no TV licence fee to worry about — everything is free of charge, funded by ad breaks.\n\nIt also added five other new channels for at no extra cost — packed with popular British shows like _The Graham Norton Show, Hell's Kitchen, Hotel Inspector,_ and _River Monsters_. In total, the Roku Channel has over 500 channels, which initially launched in September 2017.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Roku brings its ultra low-cost Netflix rival to more devices, but Britons miss out for now"
}