Roku, one of the leading names in the streaming devices segment, has launched the new Roku Ultra with improved specs, features, and performance. The company also announced the Roku OS 14 update that aims to make your entertainment experience more streamlined than ever before.
The new Roku Ultra is more powerful, faster, smarter
The 2024 Roku Ultra features a new chip that speeds up everything. The SoC is up to 30% more powerful than the previous generation, Roku claims. The hardware platform enables support for 4K, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. The device also supports Quick Media Switching (QMS), which eliminates screen flickering or blackouts when frame rate changes. The new Roku Ultra’s HDMI 2.1 technology enables QMS support.
However, Roku didn’t focus on brute force alone to speed things up. The company also integrated a machine learning system that analyzes which apps you use the most and keeps them loaded and ready for you. The device also improves some existing features, like Remote Finder, that you can activate with the button on the set-top box or through voice commands. The Headphone Mode now offers support for wireless headphones.
New remote control with backlit buttons and more
The company also improved the remote control of the new Roku Ultra. The now-called Voice Remote Pro integrates backlit buttons and USB-C charging for a more convenient user experience. It also includes a pair of new buttons: Quick Launch and Live TV Guide. The first one shows your personalized shortcuts and favorite voice command, while the second one displays a list of more than 400 free live channels.
Of course, the Roku Ultra 2024 includes seamless integration with Roku Doorbell devices. You can access all your camera feeds from the Smart Home app and manage them with voice commands. There’s also support for Wi-Fi 6 for seamless wireless transmission. The new Roku Ultra is available today for $99 in the United States and Canada.
Roku OS 14 brings Kids & Family Zone, better recommendations
Along with the new set-top box, the company announced Roku OS 14. The update includes a new Kids & Family Zone, a hub with more than 50,000 titles suitable for the whole family. Parents can easily find exactly what they are looking for thanks to the organization of content by age range, genre, and series. The OS is getting thumbs up and thumbs down icons for content that will help improve recommendations the more you use them.
Plus, users will be able to access settings via voice commands. For example, you can say “Customize my home screen” to go directly to the home screen settings page. The new Voice Remote Pro enables you to do so without holding it in your hand. There’s also an updated Roku Mobile App with a new overlay that shows personalized recommendations.
The Roku Mobile app will now integrate IMDb ratings so you can quickly see how much a show or movie was liked. Another new option allows you to favorite a sports team to receive news about related live events and upcoming events. Roku OS 14 rollout will begin “in the coming months,” with no specific date set yet.
