Roku has announced the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+. The two new Roku players are designed to offer a more premium experience than was previously on offer to those looking to buy a streaming stick. Neither of the two new devices are available to buy now, with both the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ due to go on sale starting next month.
Roku has always offered a number of different streaming players with the varied models designed to cater to the different needs and budgets of consumers. While some models are as cheap as $30 and act as a gateway device to streaming, others are priced $100 and above and designed to offer a richer streaming experience through the inclusion of additional premium features.
The Roku Streaming Stick+ has now effectively been replaced with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. The previous Roku Streaming Stick+ already offered 4K support so that’s not what has changed with the new model. Instead, buyers can expect to get a player with an upgraded processor resulting in a 30 percent faster streaming experience as well as an improved long-range Wi-Fi receiver, according to Roku. Probably more importantly is the newer model now supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. All of which comes without a price increase considering the new Roku Streaming Stick 4K will be on sale for $49.99.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ on the other hand, is the exact same player as the standard Roku Streaming Stick 4K. However, it comes with the company’s latest Roku Voice Remote Pro. The newer remote features a few upgrades over the other remotes, including a rechargeable battery. The bundling of the remote with the player results in a $20 increase to the price, with the new Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ set to cost $69.99 when it goes on sale next month. The Voice Remote Pro typically costs $29.99 on its own, resulting in a $10 discount when purchased as part of the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.
The new devices are designed to improve the middle ground in Roku’s player lineup. Priced at $49.99 and $69.99, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ offer more premium features without the buyer having to opt for more expensive streaming players like the Roku Ultra, the Roku Streambar or the Roku Streamer Pro. At the same time, the Roku Express and the Roku Express 4K will remain available for those in need of more simpler and cheaper streaming players.
In a separate announcement, Roku also confirmed the upcoming release of Roku OS 10.5. The latest software version will look to improve many aspects of the user experience, including access to live TV content, voice control support for more third-party services and general performance enhancements. Roku OS 10.5 will begin rolling out to all eligible Roku players around the same time the new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ are released.
Leave a Reply