Roku forcing multi-factor authentication

We should have seen this coming. Especially since it was in a statement we linked in a post from last week. I read it, I just didn't let it sink in.

Roku is forcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on users:

As a part of our ongoing commitment to information security, we have enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) for all Roku accounts, even for those that have not been impacted by these recent incidents. As a result, the next time you attempt to log in to your Roku account online, a verification link will be sent to the email address associated with your account, and you will need to click the link in the email before you can access the account.

It is a good idea for MFA on new devices. I don't like it all the time, but if a new device is used, I see its value.

My Streaming Life has involved Roku since 2010. They really should have done this years ago.

Xfinity new cheap plans

Michael Timmermann of Michael Saves took a look recently at the new Internet and phone plans announced by Xfinity.

[YouTube]

These plans are not avaialble to me yet. And I'm skeptical about the idea they'll make them avaialable nationwide. I'm sure they'll come up with some terms that would cause me to need to stay with their much more expensive plans.

My Streaming Life has used Comcast/Xfinity for years. Generally, the service has been reliable. However, I'd like to have other options, even if the alternative to Xfinity is Xfinity.

Roku OS 13 can wait

When Roku rolls out a new operating system, it takes a while. You don't really have a choice as to when you get it. Roku sends it out on their own schedule. One rollout -- version 10, if my memory is correct -- had one device get it the day it launched, and another device get it nearly three months later. Roku is on Roku's schedule.

I mention this because Roku OS 13 is rolling out. You don't know when you'll get it, and there is nothing you can do to speed up getting it. That is one of the biggest complaints I saw when I regularly roamed the Roku support Websites.

I haven't received it. Well, I don't think I have. I haven't launched a Roku device in a few weeks. Roku has been my primary streaming device of choice since I first started streaming in 2010, before I finally cut the cord in 2011. In the last several months, though, I have used a variety of other platforms, primarily devices running the Google TV platform, so Roku has had to wait.

Recently, Roku pulled that nonsense with the terms of service, which I still haven't accepted. So, I haven't received Roku OS 13. Well, I don't think I have. I haven't used it, that's for sure.

My Streaming Life has used Roku a lot. I kinda miss it. And I'll get over it insofar as being mad at Roku. Just not today.

Review of the new Roku Voice Remote Pro

No, I didn't buy a new Roku Voice Remote Pro, but Luke from Cord Cutters News did. He reviewed it recently:

[YouTube]

I agree with Luke that the features and changes aren't enough to make you want to run out and buy one, unless you actually needed a new remote.

My Streaming Life has used the older Roku Voice Remote Pro, and I liked it. Never used the headphones, so losing those aren't a big deal. And the USB-C is nice. But run out and get it because it's shiny and new? Nope. But if I needed one, definitely yes.

Why is Fubo trying to stop the new Disney/Fox/Warner sports service?

It's not been a story that has dominated the news, but there is an important story regarding sports streaming that you may know about.

Disney, Fox, and Warner-Discovery have announced plans to launch a new sports streaming service that will finally give streamers who want sports, well sports, and allow non-sports fans to skip it altogether.

The bad news is that Fubo is suing to stop it.

The question may be on your mind: Why is Fudo doing this?

Well, Luke Bouma of Cord Cutters News took a look at it recently, and says Fubo claims the companies stopped Fubo from doing the very same thing:

In the lawsuit, Fubo, the live streaming service, alleges that the trio of media giants stole from their playbook in a new attempt to thwart Fubo's business. On of the big complaints Fubo has is that they have wanted to launch a similar service but have been unable to because Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery forces them to offer a bundle of channels including non-sports channels.

This need to offer the Disney Channel to get ESPN, for example, is according to Fubo unfair if these companies decide to offer a sports-only service, which is something Fubo has been asking to do but has been unable to.

"The underlying motives and implication of this joint venture also command our scrutiny. Every consumer in America should be concerned about the intent behind this joint venture and its impact on fair market competition," Fubo said in an earlier statement.

Disney is arguing in their case to the judge that these new streaming services will bring more options than ever to Americans in terms of how to watch these channels. The fact that they own the content and want to offer a bundle of sports-only channels should be allowed.

Live sports content is in high demand and the competition between streaming platforms to provide it is heating up. Fubo and other streamers would be dwarfed by the powerful union of Disney, FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

This is a story with the potential for a huge impact. My Streaming Life would love a stand-alone sports service. However, if Fubo wins, this could slow that. But, based on what I know, which admittedly isn't much, I think Fubo is in the right. If so, a Fubo win may slow it, but the fault would be Disney's.

Which streaming platform?

If you're looking for a streaming device for the first time, you have four major platforms from which to choose:

• Roku
• Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Google/Android TV

These are the platforms that drive streaming boxes and sticks. All but Apple TV also drive some smart TVs. The top two of the minor platforms are strong contenders as well:

• WebOS (LG TVs)
• Tizen (Samsung TVs)

The functionality and ease of the four major make them better options than the two top minor platforms.

There are other platforms as well, but they really don't make an impact. Vizio, for instance, used a system they called "SmartCast" but it's not a good system. Whether or not they'll change to something else now that Walmart bought Vizio isn't know. If they're smart, they'll convert to a version of Android TV or the full Google TV interface. Yes, that would mean that Google would get the TV usage information as well as Walmart, but most Vizio users would hook up a Roku or Fire TV (or Chromecast) to the TV anyway, at least if they want an easy streaming experience). Dropping development of SmartCast would save money.

So, if you buy a TV with a built-in smart TV system, you don't really need to do anything other than use it. However, unless it's one of the four major platforms, you are missing out on the ease and simplicity of those platforms.

Samsung and LG are okay, but if it's something else, look seriously into one of the Big Four. But which one?

Really, it doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter. All four are good. They're better than WebOS or Tizen, in my opinion, and they give you something the others don't: a consistent system across the house.

Now sure, if all your TVs are LG or all are Samsung, then yes, you have a consistent system. But if any is something else, you have a mixed system. And that can be confusing at times. Even if you have a consistent system, the remotes are sometimes different.

The good news is that if you buy a Roku TV, for example, then add another TV to a guest room, it doesn't have to be a Roku. You can get any TV and put in the guest room, then add a Roku to it. Then you have consistency.

Same applies if you buy a TV with Fire TV built in. You can add a Fire TV device to any other TV, even a Roku TV. Same with Android/Google TV. This is true for any of the major platforms. You can always convert a TV with a different platform to a consistent platform across the household, if you want.

My Streaming Life has used all the major platforms, and the larger minor platforms. They all have their ups and downs, but what is best is a personal decision. The good news is that whichever of the major platforms you choose, you can have that on all TVs in the house.

New Roku TV remote

This is my fourth Roku post in just over a week, and the third to focus on Roku our of my last four posts overall. Yeah, Roku is making the news.

Today it's good news, well kinda, for Roku TV users that lose their remotes. Roku has finally released a Roku TV remote that you can buy directly from Roku (or from Walmart, Best Buy, or other retailers) and it's $10.

Now, you have been able to buy a remote from Roku that worked with Roku TV devices for some time. The catch was it was a Roku Voice Remote. All Roku TVs support the Roku Voice Remote, but they run $20 or more. Sometimes, only the $30 version is in stock at a local retailer.

Now, Roku has finally released an infrared remote for $10. I still think the Voice Remote is the way to go, but some people would rather spend less and are fine with an IR remote. After all, most Roku TVs, especially the cheaper models, come with IR remotes.

If you are interested, here's a link to the Roku TV Infrared Remote (Amazon affiliate link).

My Streaming Life has used Roku TV devices, but I've always used the Voice Remote, since it's not line of sight IR. However, if line of sight IR is satisfactory, you can save a few bucks going that way. Roku has needed something like this for a long time. It's good to see them finally make this available.