Device Benchmark: Roku 3

With the abundant amount of connected media devices on the market today, it is imperative that manufacturers of such devices provide standout, value-added features that are unavailable with other connected media devices. Overall, the Roku 3 streaming media device provides a simplified UI that is easy to navigate. However, consumer expectations of a UI for a streaming media device stems from the look and feel of personal devices they use on a daily basis (e.g. smartphone, tablet); a quality that did not resonate for participants when using the Roku 3. When compared to other connected devices on the market, the UI of the Roku 3 was considered less sleek and polished. However, not only does the Roku 3 provide the typical apps/services and features available on most connected media devices, it also offers users beneficial features unavailable on competitor devices, such as a Wi-Fi Direct remote, an unbiased and comprehensive search, the Roku Feed, the Roku App, and the headphone jack. When it comes to the discovery of content, the Roku 3 has excelled in providing a seamless search for movies, TV shows, and actors/directors, with results from the top streaming channels (e.g. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.); making it easier for users to discover content available and pricing options they might have overlooked, if required to search each service individually.

1. Executive Summary 3

2. Introduction 5

3. Connected Device Usage 6

3.1 Smart TVs 6

3.2 Dedicated Media Streaming Device 9

4. Cable/Satellite TV and OTT SVOD Service Subscriptions 12

5. First Impressions of the Roku 3 14

6. Roku 3 16

6.1 User Interface 16

6.2 Wi-Fi Direct Remote 17

6.3 Text Input 20

6.4 Homescreen 23

6.5 Movie & TV Store by M-GO (US Only) 25

7. Voice Search (US Only) 31

8. Value-Added Features 39

8.1 Roku Feed (US Only) 39

8.2 Channels 42

8.3 News by AOL On 48

8.4 Roku App 51

8.5 Headphone Jack 54

9. Purchase Consideration 57

10. Conclusion 60

11. Appendix: Participant Profiles 62