Roku today announced its own rival devices in a battle to capture consumers’ attention before the holiday shopping season, weeks after Amazon announced an enhanced Fire TV lineup that includes, for the first time, its own TVs. The new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+, the latter of which comes with Roku’s redesigned hands-free voice control, are among the changes. The Roku Ultra LT, a Walmart-exclusive version of the company’s high-end player, is also getting an update. It also unveiled Roku OS 10.5, a new software upgrade that includes enhanced speech functions, a new Live TV channel for home screens, and other small tweaks.
The new Streaming Stick 4K expands on Roku’s four-year-old Streaming Stick+ by providing the same type of stick form factor that can be hidden behind the TV. This version, on the other hand, features a faster processor, according to Roku, which allows the device to start up to 30% faster and load channels 30% faster. Wi-Fi has also been upgraded, with quicker speeds and clever algorithms to ensure that users are connected to the proper band for the optimal performance in their homes, where network congestion is becoming more common — especially with the pandemic-induced remote-work lifestyle.
For the same $49.99, this version comes with Roku’s regular voice remote. Amazon’s new Fire TV Stick Max, which has a faster processor and quicker Wi-Fi, costs $54.99. The addition of Wi-Fi 6 and compatibility for Amazon’s game streaming service, Luna, are two reasons to update, according to Amazon. Instead, Roku’s new Streaming Stick 4K+ comes with the Roku Voice Remote Pro.
This is Roku’s new remote, which was released in the spring and includes rechargeability, a lost remote finder, and hands-free voice capability via a mid-field microphone, allowing you to say things like “hello Roku, turn on the TV,” or “open Netflix” instead of pushing buttons. This remote costs $29.99 if purchased separately. The bundle costs $69.99, which is a $10 savings over purchasing the stick and remote separately. Starting in October, both versions of the Streaming Stick will be available online and in stores.
The Roku Ultra LT ($79.99) has been updated with a faster processor, greater storage, a new Wi-Fi radio with up to 50% longer range, Dolby Vision support, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in Ethernet connector, which was created particularly for Walmart.
TCL will also be the first product partner to use the reference designs for wireless soundbars that Roku announced at CES with its upcoming Roku TV wireless soundbar. This device works with the Roku remote and connects to the TV via Wi-Fi. It will be available at major retailers in October for $179.99.
