Roku tries keeping up with Apple TV, Google Chromecast with update

Perhaps feeling pressure from Apple and Google, Roku has added a feature that streams video from users’ phones to their TV sets.

Users with the Roku iOS app for the iPhone and iPad can send video that they’ve recorded with their device over to their Roku digital player. The player will then show the video on the TV that it is connected to.

The feature is similar to others available on the Apple TV and Google Chromecast, but it is far more limited.

PHOTOS: How Chromecast, Apple TV and Roku compare

Apple TV users can use AirPlay to send video from their Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad and Mac computers, to their TVs. This can be content that they recorded or video from apps, including YouTube and HBO GO. Additionally, the feature can be used to show the device’s screen on the TV, which is handy tool for giving presentations.

Google Chromecast, on the other hand, relies entirely on users beaming content from their phones to their TVs. Using the Cast feature, users can watch YouTube and Netflix video from their Android or Apple devices. Users can also use the Google Cast extension for the Chrome browser to display whatever website they see on a Chrome browser tab on their TVs.

Roku’s new feature isn’t as capable yet, but it is a step in the right direction if Roku doesn’t want to get left behind by its competitors. The company said the feature will also be coming to some Android devices soon.

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