Roku and Walmart are partnering on what they characterize as a line of simple and affordable smart home products including security cameras, video doorbells, lighting and indoor and outdoor plugs that allow users to control home appliances among other electrical devices.
The new smart home line will launch exclusively in almost 3,500 Walmart stores beginning October 17, the companies announced.
At rollout, Roku TV Operating System integration will allow users to see who is at their door with their video doorbell while streaming shows. Users will also be able to view live streams from their Roku security cameras and use the company’s voice remote capability to bring up video feeds.
The company’s smart plugs allow users to set up custom routines, enabling, for example, a fan to turn on at bedtime and a coffeemaker to start when it’s time to wake up. Although the official launch isn’t until October 17, consumers already can shop Roku smart home devices online at walmart.com, where a smart plug is priced at $8.88 and a two-pack of smart plugs is priced at $13.88. Within the smart plug listing, a video demonstrates how a consumer can control household lights and indoor and outdoor holiday lights via smartphone, scheduling or voice command. The video also shows how consumers can check the power status to determine if they left a hair straightener on in the bathroom and then turn it off if it is still running. It also showcases how users can track their power usage from any plug.
Roku Smart Home works with third-party voice integrations, as well as Roku Voice. Developed in partnership with Wyze Labs, Roku Smart Home devices offer two-factor authentication, user data encryption, secure boot and numerous other advanced security capabilities. The devices have been certified by ioXt Alliance, the global standard for IoT security, Roku stated.
“At Walmart, we are dedicated to providing our customers with technology to simplify and enhance their lives at everyday low prices,” said Laura Rush, senior vice president, electronics, toys and seasonal, Walmart U.S. “Roku’s new line of Smart Home devices, available exclusively in-store at Walmart, allows our customers to easily enjoy the security and convenience afforded by these new products from Roku.”
