Roku right now launched refreshed variations of its Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus, with the corporate describing the units as “probably the most compact sticks in the marketplace” and “over 35 p.c smaller than different manufacturers.” That’s a curious level to give attention to for a product that’s typically tucked away behind a TV and forgotten about as soon as plugged in. However should you’ve received a number of HDMI units hooked as much as your TV, I suppose the smaller design may make issues simpler to handle again there.
The Streaming Stick Plus, which helps 4K playback, prices $39.99, whereas the common Streaming Stick is $29.99. Roku says each units are actually environment friendly sufficient to be powered by the USB port on most TVs somewhat than requiring an outlet. Preorders begin right now, they usually’ll be obtainable on Might sixth. These new merchandise substitute the Roku Specific and Roku Specific 4K Plus.
Throughout a press occasion in Manhattan on Wednesday morning, Roku additionally introduced new options for its easy-to-use software program together with a “Coming Quickly to Theaters” row, customized sports activities highlights, and extra. The corporate has just lately confronted blowback from some prospects over its promoting practices, which have advanced into full-screen video advertisements; Roku has even examined advertisements that start taking part in as quickly as its units are switched on. Many individuals are conscious that these cheap merchandise are sponsored by these advertisements, however Roku is teetering on the road of going too far.
Over the past a number of years, Roku has expanded its {hardware} ambitions past streaming gamers to incorporate a spread of self-branded TVs, good dwelling devices, and extra. In information for the latter class, Roku is including the brand new Roku Battery Digicam and Roku Battery Digicam Plus to its portfolio of good cameras.
The corporate additionally nonetheless operates its Roku TV program that lets third-party producers construct TVs operating Roku’s software program, and right now Roku shared that for the primary time, it’s bringing projectors into the fold with “an all-new Roku TV Sensible Projector reference design, obtainable to all Roku TV companions.“