Wal-Mart is now selling its own media streaming device, which aims to rival popular streaming devices such as Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Microsoft's Miracast.
Dubbed the VUDU Spark, the Wi-Fi equipped device costs only $25, which undercuts the price of Google's Chromecast by $10. The latest Wi-Fi dongle is now available on Wal-Mart's online store and in 2,400 Wal-Mart physical stores.
VUDU Spark works just like the dongles from Google and Amazon. The device has to be plugged into an HDTV. Once plugged in, customers can start renting, purchasing and watching streamed movies or TV shows from the VUDU service.
The VUDU Spark device comes with a separate remote control for easy navigation of streamed content. It features support for 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and provides total output of 1080p along with 7.1 surround sound. It also comes with a pre-installed VUDU app. However, it doesn't say whether the device can be loaded with additional apps.
Apart from the remote control, other accessories that come with the device include a pair of AAA batteries, USB power cord, and VUDU Spark manual. If your TV has no open USB slot, you can still power the VUDU Spark through the use of a USB power adapter that is wall mounted and bought separately.
"VUDU Spark turns your HDTV into a digital entertainment center, so you can browse, rent, buy and watch movies and TV shows without ever leaving home," VUDU said.
Wal-Mart acquired VUDU in 2010. The release of the VUDU Spark has long been anticipated.
Wal-Mart also offers a $5 credit a month, which will go on for five months for those who begin using the device once it arrives. This means a total of $25 in VUDU credits that customers can use to continue enjoying streamed content through the VUDU Spark.
"For a limited time, purchase and activate a new VUDU Spark and get a $5 VUDU credit code emailed to you every month for five months. Use them to enjoy the latest movies and TV shows on VUDU," the company added.
