Known for reshaping how people stream entertainment, Roku has established itself as a dominant force in the connected-TV space. Now, it's entering an entirely new category with the introduction of its first Smart Projector. This bold move targets users who want a more cinematic experience without relying on a conventional television screen.
The new projector blends portability and performance with key features including 1080p resolution for true-to-life detail, the intuitive Roku OS for seamless streaming, and a price point designed to compete with other home theater alternatives. By embedding its popular platform directly into the device, Roku aims to redefine what immersive streaming can look like beyond the TV frame.
Roku Hardware Innovation: From Streaming Boxes to Smart Projection
Rokuโs hardware evolution has consistently paralleled the rise of modern streaming. In 2008, the company launched its first hardware deviceโthe now-iconic Roku DVPโoffering access to Netflix in a compact set-top box. That milestone redefined TV viewing at home and set Roku on a path toward broader ecosystem control.
Over the years, Roku expanded aggressively into new form factors. Streaming sticks, introduced in 2012, delivered plug-and-play convenience directly via HDMI, shrinking the technology stack to the size of a thumb drive. By 2014, Roku partnered with OEMs to release the first Roku TVs, integrating its operating system directly into television hardwareโa move that helped the company capture over 38% of TVOS market share in the U.S. by Q1 2023, according to Statista.
Now, Roku broadens its ambition with a new category-defining device: a smart projector. The launch marks the first time Roku delivers projection capabilities in an all-in-one format, blending portability, ease of use, and the powerful Roku OS system.
The projectorโs form factor reflects a deliberate push toward mobile-friendly entertainment. It features a compact chassis, suitable for shelf…