Blockbuster Roku update could convince you to ditch your Fire TV Stick for good

Amazon's Fire TV Stick might rule the roost, but Roku is fighting back. The popular platform recently launched its new streaming devices, which offer a slimline design and a simple way to pop them in the back of your telly. Now there's another way to tune into content, and it doesn't require any additional accessories or HDMI ports taken up with streaming sticks.

It's been confirmed that Roku is teaming up with Vestel - one of Europe's top three TV manufacturers - to bring a fully connected screen to homes.

All of the new goggleboxes will be powered by Roku's operating system, which makes it super easy to tune into apps such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and Disney+. There's also full access to the Roku channel, which offers plenty of things to watch for free.

Roku already comes built into a number of other tellies, but this update will now offer even more choice for consumers.

As part of the agreement, Vestel will begin manufacturing smart TVs featuring Roku's award-winning OS, starting with the Finlux brand in the UK

"This partnership with Vestel represents an exciting milestone in Roku's international growth," said Tom McFarland, VP, Business Development, Roku TV. "Together, we're making it easier for people across the UK to find great entertainment and enjoy a seamless streaming experience. The combination of Roku's leading platform and Vestel's scale and hardware and software expertise delivers a smarter TV solution - simple to use, feature-rich, and affordable for more consumers."

Of course, Amazon also offers a similar upgrade with its range of Fire TV screens, also coming pre-loaded with the firm's Fire OS software. Prices for those connected screens start from as little as £179.

Other firms such as TCL and Panasonic also offer TVs with Amazon's popular platforms pre-loaded, so there's plenty of internet-powered screens now on the market.

It will be interesting to see how much the new Vestel TVs will cost but hopefully more news on that will be announced soon.

This latest news comes as Roku has also just announced that 40 extra free channels are coming to its platform. The bonus services will go live next month.

The new content will span entertainment, lifestyle, true crime, classic TV, documentaries, and more.

It will even include the PGA TOUR for golf, along with Unsolved Mysteries for crime, NatureTime for wildlife and Love Pets for animals.