Roku has long made great, easy-to-use Internet TV streaming boxes. Now it has set itself apart from the pack by adding cross-Internet streaming service searching. I think Roku has its killer app.

If you’re old enough, you recall that VisiCalc was the PC’s first killer app: a program that made the purchase a necessity rather than a “nice to have.” VisiCalc turned microcomputers from toys for hobbyists to tools for enthusiasts. Similarly, Lotus 1-2-3 forced many businesses to buy IBM PCs, because the spreadsheet only ran on that platform.

I think Roku may have found its killer app in its new, integrated search feature. Roku lets you search across Amazon Instant, Crackle, HBO GO , Hulu Plus, Netflix, and Vudu from within the Roku 2, Roku LT, the new Roku HD players, and the Roku Streaming Stick’s display.

Roku Adds Killer App for Internet TV: Cross-Service Search. More >