Roku Streaming Stick 4K Bundles & New Software Update

Roku Announces New Streaming Devices and Software Update

Following Amazon’s recent unveiling of its updated Fire TV range, including its first foray into branded televisions, Roku has today announced a series of competitive products. This launch aims to attract consumers leading up to the holiday shopping period.

New Streaming Sticks and Ultra LT

The updates encompass a new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and a Roku Streaming Stick 4K+. The 4K+ model includes Roku’s latest hands-free voice remote. Additionally, the company is refreshing the Roku Ultra LT, an exclusive offering available at Walmart.

Roku OS 10.5: Enhanced Features

Alongside the hardware releases, Roku has announced Roku OS 10.5. This software update introduces improved voice functionalities, a dedicated Live TV channel for home screens, and several other minor enhancements.

Streaming Stick 4K: Performance Boost

The new Streaming Stick 4K builds upon the foundation of Roku’s four-year-old Streaming Stick+. It maintains the compact stick form factor, designed for discreet placement behind the television.

However, this iteration boasts a faster processor, enabling a boot-up speed up to 30% quicker and more responsive channel loading times, according to Roku’s claims.

Improved Connectivity

Wi-Fi performance has also been improved, delivering faster speeds and intelligent algorithms. These algorithms ensure users connect to the optimal band for the best possible performance, addressing the increasing issue of network congestion, particularly prevalent with the rise of remote work.

Support for Dolby Vision and HDR 10+ has been added, justifying the “4K” designation.

Pricing and Comparison

The Streaming Stick 4K is available with Roku’s standard voice remote for $49.99. Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick Max, featuring a faster processor and enhanced Wi-Fi, is priced at $54.99.

Amazon highlights the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and compatibility with its Luna game streaming service as key upgrade incentives.

Streaming Stick 4K+: Voice Control Convenience

The Streaming Stick 4K+ bundles the Roku Voice Remote Pro. This remote, launched earlier this year, offers rechargeable functionality, a remote-finding feature, and hands-free voice control through its integrated mid-field microphone.

Users can activate features simply by saying commands like “hey Roku, turn on the TV” or “launch Netflix,” eliminating the need for button presses. The remote is sold separately for $29.99, while the bundle is available for $69.99, representing a $10 discount.

Availability

Both versions of the Streaming Stick will be available for purchase online and in retail stores starting in October.

Roku Ultra LT: Walmart Exclusive

The Roku Ultra LT, priced at $79.99 and exclusively available at Walmart, has also been updated. It features a faster processor, increased storage capacity, a new Wi-Fi radio with up to 50% extended range, support for Dolby Vision, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in ethernet port.

TCL Soundbar Integration

Roku has announced that TCL will be the first device partner to utilize its reference designs, introduced at CES, for wireless soundbars. This upcoming Roku TV wireless soundbar connects via Wi-Fi and is compatible with the Roku remote, launching at major retailers in October for $179.99.

Roku OS 10.5: Software Enhancements

The release of Roku OS 10.5 represents a significant software update. While not introducing radical changes, it focuses primarily on improvements to voice control and mobile integration.

Live TV Channel on Home Screen

A key consumer-facing change is the addition of a Live TV channel to the home screen. This allows for easier access to The Roku Channel’s 200+ free live TV channels, bypassing the need to navigate through the free streaming hub.

This feature aims to provide a more traditional television experience for cord-cutters.

Voice and Mobile Improvements

Other enhancements include expanded voice command support for launching channels, improved voice search, podcast playback with a visual interface, and Spotify integration. Users can now control sound settings directly from the mobile app.

A Voice Help guide has been added to the settings menu, alongside additional sound configuration options for Roku speakers and soundbars, including support for 5.1 surround sound systems.

Voice-Enabled Password Entry

A new feature allows users to enter email addresses and passwords using voice commands during setup. Roku sends voice data to a third-party speech-to-text service, anonymizing the audio and ensuring passwords are not stored by Roku.

Advanced A/V Sync

OS 10.5 introduces an advanced A/V sync feature. This allows users to utilize their smartphone camera to refine audio delay adjustments when using wireless headphones, accessible through the mobile app.

Roku Mobile App Updates

The Roku mobile app in the U.S. gains a new Home tab for browsing movie and show collections by genre. A “Save List” feature enables users to bookmark content for later viewing.

Software Rollout

The software update will be rolled out to Roku devices over the coming weeks, initially targeting Roku players before extending to Roku TVs.