Roku is launching two new streaming player devices, including the Roku Premiere, which supports 4K HDR video and is priced at just under $40.
With a suggested retail price of $39.99, the Roku Premiere is the company’s least expensive 4K-capable streaming device ever, Lloyd Klarke, director of product management at Roku, notes in an announcement about the launch.
“It is great for HDTV today and even better if they [consumers] decide to get a 4K TV tomorrow,” Klarke says.
The Roku Premiere+ also supports HD, 4K Ultra HD or 4K HDR picture quality, is available exclusively at Walmart for $49.99, including a voice remote.
Roku’s latest Premiere player costs about $30 less than the previous version, and boasts a smaller form factor.
“Roku Premiere and Roku Premiere+ are the easiest and most affordable way to stream in outstanding picture quality,” Klarke says in a statement. “Tens of millions of 4K TVs will be sold this year; we’re seeing more content, even live sports, produced and streamed in 4K and HDR as each week goes by.”
Roku is also updating its Roku Ultra, which maintains a price point of $99.99, but now comes with JBL headphones that Roku says are valued at $39.95.
The new devices will be available beginning in October, with the Roku Premiere available for pre-order at Roku.com today.
Additionally, on Monday, Roku announced new software updates – including Roku OS 8.2 for Roku TVs that will be compatible with the upcoming Roku TV wireless speakers.
Roku noted that users will soon be able to use Google Assistant devices to control certain Roku devices.
The larger Roku OS 9 will start rolling out to streaming players in early November and Roku TVs in early 2019. The update includes features like the ability to browse free content with voice requests such as “let’s see free sitcoms.”
“As we broaden the Roku ecosystem allowing consumers to add new devices to their Home Entertainment Networks, we are in a unique position that is unlike any other TV streaming platform,” says Ilya Asnis, senior vice president of Roku OS at Roku, in a statement. “Our single operating system running across Roku TVs and Roku TV Wireless Speakers give us the ability to innovate how consumers experience audio and entertainment in their homes.”
