In October 2017, Roku announced a complete upgrade to its entire hardware offering. It was a sensible decision on the part of the company. Since the introduction of the Roku Express, Roku Premiere and Roku Ultra in 2016, the range of products has been confusing for consumers.
In the latest update, Roku has scrapped the mid-range Premiere and Premiere+ models and reduced its range to five separate standalone products. The company has also announced a new operating system, Roku OS 8..
In this article, we'll briefly explain what new features are available in the new operating system, before introducing you to all the new devices that Roku has released.
Roku OS 8 will be available for all Roku devices in late 2017. Roku players (instead of Streaming Sticks) will be the first gadgets to receive it, with updates beginning in October.
Due to the new features, it is worth spending a few moments to upgrade. Here's a quick look at some of the more notable improvements with Roku OS 8:
You can check if the update is available for your device by going to Settings> System> System update .
As mentioned above, if you're looking for a new Roku, you now have just five devices to choose from. They are:Roku Express, Roku Express +, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick + and Roku Ultra. We're not going to talk about Roku TVs here, as they are not Roku-made devices, but are available to those who want them.
Roku Express - HD Streaming Player Roku Express - HD Streaming Player Buy Now On Amazon $49.47
The Roku Express is the cheapest of the five devices in the new lineup. On the Roku website it sells for $29.99. You can also buy the device on Amazon.
Since it's the entry-level model, the Roku Express is ideal for first-time streamers and people who want to add smart capabilities to other, lesser-used TVs in their home.
The Roku Express has a maximum picture quality of 1080p HD and only works with 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi networks. Does not offer dual-band multiple input multiple output (MIMO) support.
The remote also differs from some of the more expensive models. The device only ships with a simple remote and therefore cannot control your TV or provide private listening.
However, the Express still offers the full Roku search experience, as well as Roku Feed, Hotel and Dorm Connect, and Miracast-based screen mirroring. What is Miracast? How to use Miracast for wireless media streaming What is Miracast? How to use Miracast for wireless media streaming HDMI may be the standard for connecting media devices, but it has many drawbacks. Here's how to use Miracast instead. Read more.
Roku Express + | HD Streaming Media Player, Includes HDMI and Composite Cable Roku Express + | HD Streaming Media Player, Includes HDMI and Composite Cable Buy Now at Amazon $61.99
On the $10 plus list, the Roku Express+ retails for $39.99 on the Roku website, but can also be purchased on Amazon.
There's only one difference between Express and Express+:Express+ can connect to your TV using HDMI or composite A/V ports. It is the only model in the range that offers composite connections..
Everything else is identical. The Roku Express+ has a quad-core processor, comes with a simple non-Wi-Fi remote, doesn't support MIMO, and has access to all the extra Roku features. 7 Awesome Roku Features You're Probably Not Using 7 Awesome Roku Features You're Probably Not Using Do you have a Roku device? If not, why not? If so, great, because it's time for more tips and tricks to get the most out of your Roku. Read more like Hotel and Dorm Connect and Roku Feed.
Roku Streaming Stick | Portable Voice Remote Control Power Streaming Device with Buttons for TV Power and Volume Roku Streaming Stick | Portable, power-packed streaming device with voice remote control with buttons for power and TV volume Buy Now On Amazon $34.00
The next device in Roku's product lineup is the Streaming Stick. The Roku Streaming Stick is easy to set up How to set up and use your Roku Streaming Stick How to set up and use your Roku Streaming Stick So you've just bought a new Roku Streaming Stick and are wondering what to do next. We're here to help, with the complete guide to setting up your new Roku Streaming Stick. Read More Or you can buy one on Amazon instead.
The Streaming Stick is the final product that only offers 1080p HD resolution. Streaming Stick + and Ultra, which we will talk about next, offer 4K resolution.
Unlike the two Express models, the Streaming Stick is similar to a dongle:it plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port. As such, it's perfect for wall-mounted TVs and anyone who doesn't like excessive clutter on their TV stand. Also, it is the first model in the range to support MIMO Wi-Fi support.
The Streaming Stick is also the first model to ship with an advanced remote. It includes a TV power button, volume controls, voice search, and connects to your device over your Wi-Fi network.
Roku Streaming Stick + | HD / 4K / HDR Streaming Device with Long Range Voice and Wireless Remote Control with TV Power and Volume Roku Streaming Stick + | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Device with Long Range Voice and Wireless Remote Control with TV Power and Volume Buy Now On Amazon $49.00
As the name suggests, the Streaming Stick + is quite similar to the cheaper Streaming Stick, but there are some important differences.
The first significant difference is the inclusion of an advanced wireless receiver. It allows you to locate your device away from your router, making it a great option if your TV is in an area of your home where the network signal is weak.
Second, as we mentioned earlier, it offers 4K resolution. It also provides high dynamic range (HDR) images. HDR technology allows you to display a wider range of brightness on your screen:colors will appear more vivid and vibrant.
All the extra features will set you back $20 more, with the device selling for $69.99 on Roku's website.
RokuUltra | 4K / HDR / HD Streaming Player with Enhanced Remote Control (Voice, Remote Finder, Headphone Jack, TV Power and Volume), Ethernet, Microsd and USB Roku Ultra | 4K / HDR / HD Streaming Player with enhanced remote control (voice, remote finder, headphone jack, TV power and volume), Ethernet, Microsd and USB Buy Now On Amazon $ 75.39
The premium device in the new lineup is the Roku Ultra. If you can afford the inflated price tag, it's the best model to buy for the main TV in your home.
Like the Streaming Stick+, it offers 4K resolution via HDMI HDCP 2.2 ports. It also supports HDR.
If you're looking for plug-and-play compatibility, this is the device for you. Includes a USB port and a micro SD slot; they make it easier to view media you've saved elsewhere. You can also use ports to add additional permanent storage to your device so you can install more channels.
The Roku Ultra remote marks another improvement over Streaming Stick models:it includes game buttons so you can play on your Roku 10 Awesome Roku Games You Should Be Playing 10 Awesome Roku Games You Should Be Playing Did you know Roku It has a surprisingly extensive game catalog? Here are the best games you can play on your Roku right now! Read More It even has a remote pager - you'll never search the back of the couch again.
Roku has introduced a lot more clarity to its range with the update to all five devices. It's easy to see that the company has clearly targeted each model to a particular use case and potential buyers should now find it much easier to buy the right device for their particular needs.
Which Roku device has impressed you the most? Will you settle for the entry-level Roku Express, or be tempted to shell out more money for the top-of-the-line Roku Ultra? Regardless of which one you get, be sure to get started right away with these helpful private Roku channels. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Right Now. 20 Private Roku Channels You Should Install Now. Here's how to add private channels to your Roku, along with some of the best Roku private channels you can install right now. Read more.
