Roku’s New $ 50 4K Streaming Stick Replaces One of the Company’s Best Gamers

Roku today announced the Streaming Stick 4K, the company’s latest streaming device. Priced at $ 49.99, the new product replaces the popular Streaming Stick Plus, which has long been a go-to recommendation as one of the best streamers under $ 100.

The new hardware improves on the old one with features like Dolby Vision HDR and faster performance. It now starts up 30% faster and has a long-range Wi-Fi receiver that delivers speeds up to twice as fast. Roku says the device can intelligently optimize bandwidth and streaming performance based on your network conditions. Like its predecessor, the Streaming Stick 4K supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit and can also be linked to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant smart homes.

Image: Year

As usual, the 4K Streaming Stick plugs directly into a TV’s HDMI port and can be neatly hidden from view. Roku includes a voice remote (with TV controls), which supports push-to-talk voice commands. If you prefer hands-free controls to find something to watch, you can upgrade to the Streaming Stick 4K Plus for $ 69.99. This time, the “Plus” means you also get the Roku Voice Remote Pro, which has a rechargeable battery and mid-field microphones that allow the remote to pick up your searches or voice commands even when seated on a laptop. table. These voice commands include the ability to easily locate the Voice Remote Pro in case it gets lost in the sofa cushions or travels to MIA elsewhere in the living room.

Separately, Roku also announced today that it is adding the ability to create a 5.1 surround system using a Streambar or Streambar Pro, two pairs of its Roku wireless speakers, and a subwoofer. wireless bass. (Previously you were limited to the soundbar, subwoofer, and surround backs.) In this setup, the soundbar acts as a dedicated center channel and allows the front left and right speakers to provide more immersion. .

Image: Roku / TCL

And when it comes to soundbars, TCL will be launching a Roku TV wireless soundbar for $ 179.99 in October. As the name suggests, it’s designed to pair with a TV that runs Roku’s software. If so, you get soundbar controls built into the TV’s menus, automatic audio / video sync, and more flexible placement since you don’t have to worry about running a cable. from the sound bar to your TV.

Roku says the 4K Streaming Stick is expected to arrive in US and UK retailers in mid-October and will arrive in Canada as well as Mexico and other Latin American countries in the coming months. The Streaming Stick 4K Plus will also be available on Roku.com and all major retailers in the US in October.

Besides these hardware announcements, Roku has also shared some new features that are coming to its Roku operating system with the update to version 10.5. My colleague Catie Keck spoke about it here.