Roku 2 launches with Angry Birds, subtitles, 1080p Netflix, EpixHD

By Mike Flacy Published July 19, 2011

roku-2-angry-birds — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Centered out of Saratoga, California, Roku is announcing the release of the fourth generation of Roku players on July 20. Dubbed the Roku 2, this revision of the hardware brings a smaller form factor to the media streamer as well as a plethora of new content including gaming. Similar to the last round of players, Roku launches with three versions of the Roku 2; the Roku 2 HD ($59.99), the Roku 2 XD ($79.99), and the Roku 2 XS ($99.99). In addition to the new boxes, a Bluetooth, 6-axis motion-controlling remote (similar to a Wii controller) is packaged with the top-of-the-line XS model to interact with games like Angry Birds.

Angry Birds is available immediately with a purchase of the Roku 2. Other Angry Birds games like Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio are in the works along with Galaga and Pac-Man CE from Namco. The controller is going to be available for purchase separately at $29.99 and is bundled with a 2GB MicroSD card. Games are likely to be sold through the existing Roku channel marketplace.

Recommended Videos

Roku is also expanding the channel selection by increasing to over 300 channels, both with new video content and social networking applications. EpixHD is being added to the Roku service to provide feature films from MGM Studios, Lionsgate and Paramount. AOL HD and Fox News are also on the list for new video providers. Facebook is getting a new channel for access to user accounts and high definition pictures as well as support for Facebook’s video player. Netflix is receiving a major upgrade that includes 1080p and Dolby Digital Plus support in addition to subtitles for the hearing-impaired.

The new models are also more power efficient and draw only 2 watts in standby mode during the day (4 watts for the third generation). All three models will feature the MicroSD slot for expanded memory for additional gaming storage. With the release of the Roku 2, the company expects to reach 3 million homes by the end of the year.

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Topics

Gaming

Where to find the cartographer in Emerald Stair in Avowed

Environmental shot of Galawains Tusks Slumbering Fields in Avowed.

You will probably have a good grip on all the tips and tricks needed to beat Avowed by the time you reach the second zone, Emerald Stair. However, no matter how many abilities you have or how good your gear is, finding a missing person with just a vague hint never gets any easier. We already helped Sanza find a missing cartographer in Dawntrail, but he has lost another in Emerald Stair and needs us to track them down. Like last time, the Avowed won't tell you where to go so we explored the entire region to show you exactly where to track them down.
Where to find the cartographer in Emerald Stair

The first cartographer quest at least gave you the general direction to find them, but this time we are only given the name of the area within Emerald Stair. The area in question is called Naku Tedek and is the isolated island on the south end of the map.

Gaming

3 PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (March 14-16)

The PC version of Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut.

The beginning of March was light in upcoming PS5 games, but the long-delayed Assassin's Creed Shadows is right around the corner. But we still have an entire weekend to fill before it comes out, which is where your PlayStation Plus subscription pays off. The Essential games for March were incredibly strong, but the back catalogue of Extra and Premium games has the perfect selection to get you excited for all the biggest upcoming video games, like Death Stranding 2. Or, it could be the perfect way to find a fun, bite-sized game to hold you over until next week's releases hit and dominate your time. As always, I have hand-selected only the best games in PlayStation Plus for you to play this weekend.
Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut
Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut - Announcement Trailer | PS5, PS4

Even before Shadows was announced, Ghost of Tsushima was touted as being the Japanese AC game that Ubisoft should have made years ago. While that is a reductive way to frame it, there's no denying there are similarities, and the two will be directly compared. Whether you plan on playing Shadows or not, Ghost is a magnificent game that still boasts some of the best graphics on PS5. Exploring the vibrant island of Tsushima as you follow the wind and animals rather than waypoints gives you a deep appreciation for the world you're fighting for. If you missed out on the Director's Cut content, jumping back in for the Iki Island DLC is perhaps the best part of the experience.

Gaming

3 Xbox Game Pass games to play this weekend (March 14-16)

Assassin's Creed Odyssey review

Game Pass serves many functions as a service. Some use it to play the best Xbox Series X games on release, others lean on it between games, and everything in between. One of our favorite ways to take advantage of the massive Game Pass catalog is in preparation for upcoming Xbox Series X games. Whether it be playing previous games in a series to get caught up, or games in a similar genre to get in the mood, Game Pass has what you're looking for. We have our eye on Assassin's Creed Shadows next week just like you, but what about this weekend? Here are the best Xbox Game Pass games to boot up over the break.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey: Launch Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]

All the best Assassin's Creed games are on Game Pass, but we feel Odyssey is the best of them since transitioning into RPGs. Historically, this is the earliest game in the timeline, though that doesn't matter much since there are only loose threads connecting the games at this point. What does matter is how vast and enjoyable a world this is to explore. It isn't quite as bloated as Valhalla and will get you back into the groove of parkouring, stealthing, and fighting all over again. The story here is also one of the best in the series if you have the time to go all the way with it. But even just dabbling in it so you don't get burned out before Shadows is a great way to prepare yourself.