Roku Has Unveiled Hardware Lineup and Free OS 8 Update
The race to roll out smart home gadgets are intensifying after Amazon and Apple held their respective hardware events. While Amazon is determined to have Alexa, their voice assistant, everywhere, Roku is keeping their focus on TV hardware.
Recent reports have revealed that the tech company unveiled a lineup of TV hardware made to appeal to those looking to experience high-quality video output while enjoying the convenience of wireless devices.
"Our new streaming player lineup provides performance, price, and features to meet our users needs so they can sit back, relax and enjoy their TV viewing experience even more," said Chas Smith, general manager of Roku TVs and players, in a statement. "Consumers will love our new sleek Roku Streaming Stick+ with an innovative advanced wireless receiver that gives up to four times the wireless range and a remote that controls TV volume and power. It makes 4K and HDR streaming simple."
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Kicking off the lineup is the basic Roku Streaming Stick, which received a processor upgrade to make it 50 percent faster. It is priced at $49.99. Meanwhile, the Roku Streaming Stick Plus now supports HDR and 4K, and it will cost $69.99. The Roku Express and Roku Express Plus will also be getting processor upgrades and will cost $29.99 and $39.99, respectively.
Finally, the Roku Ultra has received a hefty discount, as it is now priced at $99 compared to last year's $130. It supports 4K at 60 frames per second, HDR10, and private listening.
Aside from the hardware lineup, Roku also announced the Roku OS 8, which now supports integrated programming from over-the-air TV. Users who search for a specific show title will be able to see results from streaming companies and live TV. The update will be rolled out for free, and it will come with the updated lineup that they revealed.
