Roku has improved its search feature to now allow users to search for videos across many new streaming services.
On June 17, the company announced that Roku Search now finds content across more than 50 streaming services such as ABC, Acorn TV, Amazon Video, Bloomberg TV, CBS News, Comedy Central, Crackle, Disney Junior, Docurama, DramaFever, FandangoNOW, Fox Business Network, FOX NOW, Google Play, Indieflix, MTV, Netflix, Popcornflix, Smithsonian Channel, Time Warner Cable and more.
Roku Search now works by date, which means users can find content based on specific dates. With the enhanced search feature, users can find where TV shows and movies are available. Roku Search also lists them according to price, which makes it easier for users to opt for the best suitable streaming channel.
"[F]or example, let's say you wanted to watch The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1. After conducting a Roku Search, you will learn where the movie is available to stream. Most importantly, if you have a Hulu, Amazon Video or Time Warner Cable subscription, you'll learn that you can stream it free with your subscription!" Michael Rusignola, the director of product management at Roku, wrote in a blog.
According to comScore, a global media measurement and analytics company, over-the-top (OTT) streaming devices such as Roku are the fourth most common in-home access point to the internet after desktops, smartphones and tablets.
OTT devices are mainly used for watching internet-based content on the TV via services such as Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu and more. However, OTT streaming devices also offer other services such as music streaming and surfing the web.
Chromecast, Apple TV and Amazon FireTV are other OTT streaming devices and they give solid competition to Roku. However, comScore data suggest that Roku was the most popular in the United States, gaining almost half of the household market share.
"In an increasingly competitive market with some of the biggest names in tech vying for position, it's impressive to see a company like Roku, Inc. carve out almost half the device market with 49 percent market share," says comScore.
According to comScore, the second most popular OTT streaming device in the United States is Google Chromecast with a market share of 22 percent. With 16 percent and 12 percent market shares, Amazon FireTV and Apple TV occupy the third and the fourth positions, respectively.
The latest search improvement may attract more customers using OTT streaming devices and help the company retain its leading position in the market.
Roku also revealed that more partners will be added to the Search feature in the coming months.
