The leading company in the streaming set-top box industry, Roku, is back with another set of updates as we head into the holiday shopping season.
Roku kicked off its 2020 announcements with some updates to its top of the line Roku Ultra. This year, Ultra buyers will find support for Dolby Vision picture quality, as well as Dolby Atmos support. And for those of you who connected your Roku to your network via Wi-Fi, you’ll find improved Wi-Fi connectivity this year which will increase its range by 50%.
Meanwhile, the new Roku Streambar will be combining the power of a 4K HDR Roku with the technology of a soundbar.
Thanks to the technology of the Streambar, you’ll find loud commercials automatically lowered for you, and the ability to control it from Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices.
And if you’re finding yourself wanting an even fuller sound, you can connect the wireless Roku Speakers and Subwoofer to it as well to fill the entire room with sound.
Also coming this fall will be Roku OS 9.4 which will offer AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, as well as a new Live TV Channel Guide.
Meanwhile, the Roku Channel is going to break free of the Roku app to be a new standalone app on your mobile devices. You won’t need a Roku to enjoy the free ad-supported content of the Roku Channel any more, and you will also find new channels being added such as Studio71, The LEGO Channel, iFood.tv, and a whole lot more.
Customers who purchase a Roku device the fall will also find themselves able to enjoy some free premium content.
- Pandora Premium – Consumers who purchase a Roku device from September 25 – November 6th and redeem by November 8th, 2020 will be eligible for a 3-month trial of Pandora Premium. Pandora Premium gives users on-demand music, ad-free listening, and much more. Total value of $29.97.
- Apple TV+ – Eligible customers who purchase and activate a Roku device from October 23, 2020 to January 31, 2021 will receive a promotional code to enjoy three months free of Apple TV+. This offer for Roku customers is available to new Apple TV+ subscribers only and must be redeemed by February 2, 2021. $4.99/month after free trial. One subscription per Family Sharing group. Plan automatically renews until cancelled.
- SHOWTIME, STARZ + EPIX – Redeem the 30-day free trial available via The Roku Channel, good from now until October 4, 2020 with the purchase and activation of an eligible Roku device. Total value $25.97.
The Roku Ultra will retail for $99.99 and the Roku Streambar will sell for $129.99. Both devices are up for preorder now.
