Roku Unveils New Hardware and Software with Roku OS 10

Today, Roku announced a range of new hardware and software updates, headlined by the latest iteration of its media software, Roku OS 10. This new OS expands compatibility with AirPlay 2 and Apple’s HomeKit, alongside a suite of enhancements designed to streamline content discovery and accelerate streaming speeds.

New Devices Introduced

Alongside the software update, Roku is releasing several new devices. These include the Roku Express 4K+, a refreshed combination media player and soundbar, and an upgraded voice remote featuring a rechargeable battery and hands-free voice control through the “Hey Roku” command.

The Roku Voice Remote Pro: A Step into Voice Control

The Roku Voice Remote Pro, priced at $29.99, is arguably the most notable addition. It positions Roku more firmly in the “smart speaker” arena, functioning as a TV remote equipped with a mid-field microphone constantly listening for the “Hey Roku” activation phrase.

This functionality allows users to issue commands – such as “Hey Roku, launch Netflix” or “search for free movies” – without needing to physically interact with the remote. It offers a convenient, hands-free experience.

Privacy Considerations with Voice Assistants

The integration of a constantly listening voice assistant naturally raises privacy concerns. Past experiences with tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple, regarding the handling of user voice data, have made consumers cautious.

Roku acknowledges these concerns, stating that it will retain some audio recordings for service improvement and technical support. Users can, however, opt out of data collection through Roku.com/account/voice. The company assures that recordings are anonymized within 30 days and accessible only to Roku employees, not contractors.

A mute button is also included on the remote for users who prefer not to utilize the hands-free listening feature.

Remote Features Beyond Voice Control

Beyond voice control, the remote boasts a rechargeable battery – a first for Roku remotes – charged via micro-USB. It also includes dedicated buttons for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and, for the first time, Apple TV+. A lost remote finder, private listening via headphone jack, a push-to-talk voice button, and two customizable shortcut buttons are also included.

The voice remote is available now on Roku’s website and will be in retail stores in May.

Roku Express 4K+: Enhanced Performance for New Streamers

The Roku Express 4K+ ($39.99) is designed to replace the older Roku Premiere, targeting first-time streamers and secondary TVs. Despite its affordability, it features a faster processor, increased storage, and dual-band Wi-Fi support.

It also supports wired connections via third-party micro-USB and Ethernet adapters, previously a feature reserved for the higher-end Roku Ultra. The Express 4K+ introduces HDR 10+ support to the Roku platform, which will also be available on the Roku Ultra via the Roku OS 10 update.

The device supports HD, 4K, HDR, and HDR 10 and ships with a standard voice remote.

The Roku Express 4K+ will be available online and in retail stores in mid-May. Walmart will offer an exclusive version, the Roku Express 4K ($35), which omits the voice remote for a lower price.

Roku Streambar Pro: Enhanced Audio and Streaming

Roku is rebranding its Smart Soundbar to the Roku Streambar Pro ($179.99) in May. This device combines 4K streaming with enhanced cinematic sound and now includes the voice remote found with the Roku Ultra, enabling private listening with headphones.

It also introduces a new Roku OS 10 feature called Virtual Surround, designed to simulate a surround-sound experience for users without dedicated surround speakers.

Roku OS 10: Expanding Features and Compatibility

Roku OS 10 brings Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to a wider range of HD devices, including the Roku Express and select HD Roku TVs.

Additional features include a customizable Live TV Channel Guide, automatic Wi-Fi network detection during setup, and an “instant resume” function that returns users to their last viewed content on supported channels.

Currently, over 15 channels support “instant resume,” including AT&T TV, FilmRise, FOX Business Network, FOX News Channel, Fubo Sports Network, HappyKids TV, Plex.tv, STARZ, and The Roku Channel.

Improved Gaming Experience

Gamers will benefit from a new automatic game console configuration feature, which optimizes settings for a superior gaming experience. This includes enabling features like HDR gaming, variable refresh rates, and high frame rate gaming (120Hz) where supported.

“The system automatically configures preferred settings,” explained Mark Ely, Roku VP of Retail Product Strategy. “It also means turning on things like HDR gaming, variable refresh rates, high frame rate gaming like 120Hz, or maybe THX Certified Game Mode.”

The feature is compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles and will also update the input on the Home Screen.

Rollout and Market Context

Roku OS 10 is currently rolling out to select Roku players and will be available on all supported devices, including the new Roku Express 4K+ and Roku Streambar Pro, and all Roku TV models, in the coming weeks.

These launches occur after a year of significant growth in at-home streaming, driven by the coronavirus pandemic. Roku reported 51.2 million active accounts and 58.7 billion streaming hours in Q4 2020, with The Roku Channel experiencing roughly 200% growth between June and August 2020.

“Streaming continues to grow and accelerate as people shift away from cable,” noted Ely. “We also saw more people streaming first-run movies at home with theater shutdowns.”

Despite this momentum, Roku faces strong competition from Amazon and potential new entrants like Apple, rumored to be developing an Apple TV-HomePod hybrid device. This competitive landscape will require Roku to continue innovating to maintain its position in the streaming market.