Samsung has just announced its Smart Media Player, a Roku or Apple TV alternative that runs the company’s Smart TV interface to provide all the streaming you need. Sadly, though, it’s only headed to the US, and it seems to have priced itself out of that market.
Samsung’s software allows the set-top box to run apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBO Go, but it is a little clunky to use. Add to that the fact that the thing costs $US150 — $US50 more than an Apple TV in the US and more than all the Roku devices — and it doesn’t look like a great deal.
There might be one saving grace: Samsung points out that the box includes a cable card slot, so it could replace the device you rent from your pay TV company. But a TiVo would probably do that job far better. Sorry, Samsung: we think you missed this step. [PR Newswire via The Verge]