Roku Ultra Gets a Power Boost: Wi-Fi 6, Faster Processor, Upgraded Remote
The improvements to the Roku Ultra take what was already one of the best quality streaming players on the market to a new level.
The Roku brand has already completed its takeover of American living rooms. An August survey from Parks Associates showed that Roku is the most popular streaming device manufacturer in the United States, and the company is continuing to bolster its inventory of players. On Tuesday, Roku announced a new model of its Roku Ultra streaming device, a top-of-the-line player which should cut down on loading times and make watching your favorite services even more enjoyable.
Key Details:
- The new Roku Ultra features a quad-core processor for faster boot-up and more fluid navigation.
- Wi-Fi 6 support will cut down on loading times.
- The device retails for $99.99, essentially the same cost as the old Roku Ultra.
The most notable improvements to the Roku Ultra were made in the name of making it an even faster, more responsive device. That starts with a quad-core processor, which makes the Roku Ultra 30% faster than other Roku players. It also comes with support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Ultra-High-Definition 4K video quality.
The upgraded Roku Ultra also comes with Wi-Fi 6, which offers improved performance in environments where there are lots of demands on bandwidth. Roku says that this development leads to faster downloads and a better streaming experience with less loading and buffering, and the Roku Ultra still includes an ethernet port for wired connections in case that is the method of connection you prefer.
Customization is a key factor in the new Roku Ultra. It leverages machine learning to figure out which apps you’re most likely to use next, making for the “snappiest app loading to date” on a Roku device. You can even customize Quick Launch settings to pull up your favorite apps, as well as TV settings like enabling closed captions so you can optimize your experience before starting to watch Netflix, Hulu, Max, Prime Video or whatever your favorite service might be.
What’s New with Roku’s Remote?
The new Roku Voice Remote Pro has also gotten some updates ahead of the launch of the Roku Ultra. It keeps favorite features like TV volume controls and a voice assistant for hands-free commands, as well as a remote finding function that helps you track it down if it slides between the couch cushions.
The remote also comes with a backlit face, as well as two new buttons: a rocket-shaped Quick Launch button that allows you to access your favorite streamers and TV settings with just a push; and a Live TV Guide, which takes you to a guide that shows the hundreds of free streaming channels available from The Roku Channel.
The new Roku Ultra includes other features, like the ability to connect seamlessly to Roku Doorbell Cameras or Roku Light Strips and Bulbs. That allows you to more easily control your smart home devices through the biggest screen in your house.
The Roku Ultra 2024 model is available now, but only direct from Roku’s website. It retails for $99.99, around the same price as the former Roku Ultra model. Shoppers can expect it to arrive at major retailers like Amazon in the coming weeks.
Roku
Roku is a streaming device that can be used to watch Live TV Streaming Services and On Demand Streaming Services.
Limited Warranty
Your Roku probably isn’t covered against mishaps and malfunctions. We’ve partnered with 5Devices to give The Streamable readers a protection plan for any internet-connected device, including your Roku, iPhone, etc starting at $2.67 per device per month. And the good news is that it covers devices you already use (ie. no need for proof of new purchase).