Roku Updates OS, Unveils 5 New Streaming Players

Roku is on a roll lately! Right around the time the company held its IPO to start trading on the NASDAQ exchange, it announced five new streaming players that offer significant upgrades over previous ones.

These new offerings get you better performance, improved wireless reception, along with new convenience features at prices ranging from $30 to $100.

We have the second-generation Roku Express that can be yours for $30, to go with Roku Express+ that retails for $40. These are described as being five times more powerful than their predecessors.

Then there is the updated Roku Streaming Stick that although has a higher price of $50, now comes with a voice remote with power and volume buttons for controlling compatible TVs. The more elaborate Roku Streaming Stick+ goes for $70, and offers support for 4K HDR content.

The company’s top model, the Roku Ultra, will set you back $100, and is said to offer the company’s best wireless performance and support for HDR content at 4K.

Available for preorder now from Roku, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon and other retailers, these new models are set to hit stores by October 8. Save for the Roku Express+ which will only be sold through Walmart.

Alongside these new launches, the media company also unveiled an updated operating system, which goes by the name of Roku OS 8, and comes with a Smart Guide that aggregates over-the-air (OTA) broadcast TV and streaming options.

The highlight being a smart guide that integrates OTA broadcast TV and streaming options, an improved search mechanism, voice control and fast start for Roku TVs, among other features.

You can check out the enhancements and bug fixes included in Roku OS 8 here.