Vudu Streaming Dongle Chomecast Competitor?

By
Aiden Kampman
-
walmart

Vudu Streaming Dongle Chomecast Competitor?

Walmart is the latest company trying to attract cord cutters with a video streaming device.
The company is going to be releasing its own Chromecast-like streaming dongle that works with the Walmart-owned Vudu platform, according to a Federal Communications Commission filing.The FCC filing, first spotted by GigaOm, lays out plans for a remote controlled device that connects to televisions via the HDMI port. The filing also contains photos and a user manual for the device, which suggests the Wi-Fi-connected Spark will function much like other streaming sticks, though it appears it will only be compatible with Vudu, and not other services such as Netflix or Hulu.Vudu Spark

The front and back of the Vudu Spark, as seen in the FCC filing.
At VUDU, we’re always looking at new ways for our customers to experience the movies and TV shows in their VUDU library. We’re developing a streaming stick and will share more information in the coming months, so stay tuned.

The FCC filing did not reveal a price for the Spark, but it’s likely the retailer will offer it at a price comparable to or less than the $35 Chromecast or $49 Roku Streaming Stick, given its more limited functionality.

Streaming dongles, which are smaller and typically cheaper than set-top boxes, are becoming increasingly popular. Google, Roku and Amazon each offers its own HDMI-conencted device.

Entertainment startup Matchstick launched a Kickstarter earlier this year to create its own Firefox OS-powered streaming stick that netted nearly a half million dollars— topping its initial goal by more than $300,000.

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