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.
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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.
A Vudu spokesperson confirmed the plans for the Spark in a statement given to Mashable.
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.