Not to be outdone by Apple, Amazon, or Google, Roku has announced its own new flagship streaming media player. The Roku 4 with 4K support looks like a flattened version of its predecessors and is brimming with power from its quad-core processor to its 802.11ac MIMO wireless. Not only does this set-top box have the potential to finally bring 4K mainstream, but it also includes a handy feature that’ll ensure you never lose your remote control again…
The big addition to Roku 4 is support for 4K UHD content at up to 60 fps. 4K content is beautiful, but a pain to find. Roku tackled this issue by adding a curated 4K Spotlight channel with movies, tv shows, and more. Overall, Roku is promising “more streaming channels for 4K entertainment than any other streaming player.” No worries if you don’t have a 4K UHDTV, the Roku 4 also supports 1080p HDTVs.
Roku 4’s remote control learned a new trick that should be very helpful. The remote finder feature does exactly what you’d imagine: helps locate your lost Roku remote control (goodbye Tile!). Just hit the button on top of the Roku 4 unit to track down your remote. Despite its simplicity, there’s no doubt this is going to be one of the most used features of Roku 4. The motion-control remote still includes voice search, private listening mode, and can be used for games.
Also coming down the pipeline is Roku OS 7 software update that lets you follow movies, TV shows, actors and directors. You’ll get notifications when new content hits a streaming service and for price changes. This update also adds support for Wi-Fi networks with browser logins like you’d typically find at a hotel or on a college campus. OS 7 will be available for all current-generation Roku players later this month. Roku’s iOS and Android apps are also being updated with the new “follow” feature and the ability to cast 4K images.
Roku 4 costs $129.99 and is now available for pre-order from Amazon and Roku with an expected ship date of October 21st.
More New Toys of the Day:
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- TiVo makes the DVR sexy with 4K content, AirPlay and one-click commercial skipping
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