Roku Rolls Out New OTT Player Lineup, OS Upgrade

Roku has announced updated versions of its seven streaming players, as well as an upgrade to the operating system that runs them, OS 9.2.

Rolling out to Roku devices over the “coming weeks,” and available on new Roku box, including the recently released Roku Sound Bar, version 9.2 includes the new “Roku Tips & Tricks” channel to guide users on use of their Roku device and the ecosystem. The 4K Spotlight channel has been redesigned, and enhancements have been made to voice control.

Roku further details the upgrade in this announcement.

Meanwhile, Roku is touting a range of improvements across its OTT player lineup, starting with a 10% smaller form factor for its $29.99 entry level Roku Express product, and also includin an enhanced quad-core processor and 802.11ac dual-band wireless for its high-end $99.99 Roku Ultra device.

The upgrades are detailed in this separate products announcement.

“Whether you’re streaming to your TV for the first time or are a cord-cutting power-house who wants our ultimate streaming device, we’ve got something for everyone,” said Mark Ely, VP of players and whole home product management at Roku.

Roku now makes more of its money selling advertising across its platform. But hardware sales were up 24% in the second quarter to $82 million. 

Daniel Frankel

Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!