Roku has this week unveiled a brand new 4K streaming stick that promises to offer a faster user experience as well as faster access to your home Wi-Fi.
The new streaming device is called the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, but Roku is offering two different versions. The base model features a redesigned stick meant to hide behind your TV in a HDMI port while offering access to 4K streaming with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The "Long-Range Wi-Fi" (802.11ac MIMO dual-band) offers up to 2x faster connection speeds, according to Roku.
The included remote allows you to access content with voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant, but also offers the ability to power your TV on or off, change the volume level, or mute sound, removing the need to use two remotes. The faster experience and smoother streaming is possible thanks to a new quad-core processor Roku claims is 30% faster than in its previous sticks.
The other version of the new stick is called the Roku Streaming Stick 4K+. It's the same streaming stick hardware, but Roku upgraded the included remote to the Voice Remote Pro, which uses a rechargable battery and a voice activated lost remote finder. Other features include TV controls, personal shortcut buttons, private listening by plugging in headphones/earphones, hands-free, and push to talk Roku Voice support.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is set to launch on Oct. 14 for $49.99, while the 4K+ version launches a few days later on Oct. 17 for $69.99. Both versions of the stick can be per-ordered right now, which includes free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Roku is also offering a 30-day free trial of Discovery+ with your purchase (usually costs $4.99 per month).