Roku has released two affordable streaming devices to add 4K picture quality and voice control to existing TVs. Michael Heiss reports.
Many, if not most, TV sets these days are classified as Connected TVs (CTV) or Smart TVs with built-in streaming capability – yet many viewers still prefer the use of an external streaming device.
More importantly, very few projectors or direct view LED panels have built-in streaming capability. For installations with those types of video displays, an external streamer is even more critical. Although Roku is often the leading brand for that type of device on my side of the Atlantic, its external streaming devices are only available in the UK for now.
To reinforce its popularity, Roku has announced the new Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus, replacing the current Roku Express and Roku Express 4K at the same price points (£29.99 and £39.99, respectively) with new features and easier installation.
Both are based on the Roku OS, which is known for its frequent updates to features and usability.
They benefit from a new industrial design, while a voice-enabled remote is available for the first time at this price on the Roku Streaming Stick.
The voice-enabled remote also controls TV power/volume/mute, with content search by voice available.
More compact than their predecessors, the streamers are designed to more easily fit behind the TV without blocking the HDMI ports required to connect other devices.
Perhaps more importantly, many of the current streaming devices require more current than is typically provided at the USB-A port on a TV. However, the new Roku streamers have a lower power requirement (5VDC/1A), enabling them to be powered directly from the TV without the need for a separate wire and wall connected power unit. Indeed, there is no power cube included, but a USB-C to USB-A cable comes with the unit.
Both new units support pass-through of DTS Digital Surround Dolby-encoded audio through the HDMI port, working with Apple AirPlay, Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home. Both also have dual-band WiFi connectivity. The Streaming Stick Plus adds 4K HDR capability with HDR/HDR-10+ and HLG and 802.11ac (WiFi 5) connectivity.
The new models will be available from major retailers in June 2025.
For readers on the North American side of the Atlantic these models will be available in the US ($29.99/$39.99USD), Canada (CA$39.99/CA$49.99), Mexico (Mex $899/Mex $1,999 pesos) and numerous Central American countries as well as Argentina, Chile, Columbia and Peru in South America.
Image source: Roku