Adding a key content offering to its lineup of apps, Roku has launched Google Play Movies & TV to its Channel Store in the U.S., Ireland and Canada.
Google Play Movies & TV, also offered on Google’s own TV-connected Chromecast and new Android TV-powered Nexus Player (as well as via apps for Android and iOS tablets and smartphones), offers a mix of new movie releases, some before their DVR and Blu-ray windows, as well as TV shows for purchase and rental.
Google’s service competes with electronic sell-through services such as iTunes, VUDU, Amazon, as well as EST products from Comcast and Verizon Communications. .
Roku said the new offering is available on “current generation” players, meaning those introduced after June 2011 (Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku 1, Roku Streaming Sticks, Roku LT, Roku 2 HD, Roku 2 XD, Roku 2 XS, and Roku HD). Support for Roku’s platform for connected TVs will be “coming soon.” Roku has shipped more than 10 million devices in the U.S., but hasn’t revealed international sales figures.
Roku, which adds Google Play Movies & TV to a roster of more than 1,600 channels/apps, is also supporting the “Gift from Google” section that’s currently offering a free HD copy of X-Men to users who sign up for a Google Play account.
