Roku Launches New Hardware and Software, Adds Apple Protocol Support

A few days after Amazon.com  (AMZN) – Get Report refreshed its Fire TV hardware and software, Roku  (ROKU) – Get Report is doing the same for its streaming platform.

On Monday Roku unveiled an improved version of its high-end Roku Ultra streaming box, as well as an integrated soundbar/streaming device called the Streambar. 

The company also launched a new version of Roku OS (Roku OS 9.4), which among other things adds support for Apple’s  (AAPL) – Get Report AirPlay 2 and HomeKit protocols.

In addition, Roku is launching iOS and Android apps for its ad-supported streaming service, Roku Channel. A Roku account is needed to stream content from the apps, but Roku hardware isn’t.

Roku Ultra, list-priced at $100, is getting an improved Wi-Fi radio that’s said to deliver up to 50% more range, as well as Dolby Vision and Bluetooth support. 

Like its predecessor, the new Ultra is powered by a quad-core processor and comes with a voice remote featuring a headphone jack.

The Streambar has a $130 list price and follows Roku’s 2019 launch of a larger, $180, integrated soundbar/streaming device known as the Smart Soundbar. (An optional, $180, wireless subwoofer was also launched last year.)

Source Article