Grygo is the chief content officer for FTF & FTF News.
In my continuing coverage of bonus-worthy gadgets, I am focusing on the latest from the maker of streaming player devices, Roku, Inc.
The vendor has released the “Roku Ultra,” a bundled offering that company officials say is intended to help you better navigate the complex world of streaming and Web-based content, particularly if you have cut the cable and want to save money during these days of high inflation.
The Roku Ultra bundle offers hands-free voice controls, a rechargeable remote, and a lost-remote finder feature, say officials who recently presented their updated wares at a recent Pepcom showcase in New York City.
Roku officials also note that a software update, OS 11, has been available since this past March.
The Roku OS 11 system offers expanded content discovery menu options, the Roku Photo Streams photo sharing feature, and a mobile app.
The new bundle offers Dolby Vision/HDR10+/4K for “sharp 4K” images that have “four times the resolution of HD,” officials say. The system supports Wi-Fi connections and wired Ethernet links.
There is also support for private listening via a headphone jack on the remote device, and “push-to-talk” features for traditional Roku Voice, which leverages “the hardware switch to turn off the hands-free voice feature and use push-to-talk voice controls instead,” officials say.
A Roku spokesperson kindly took the time to answer my additional, pesky questions.
Q: How do people find out if their flatscreen TVs are compatible with Roku’s offerings?
A: All Roku streaming devices will work with any television with an HDMI connection, so any Roku device can connect to a 4K or HDR-compatible television.
However, to stream movies and TV shows in 4K or HDR you will need a compatible 4K Roku streaming player (e.g. Roku Express 4K+, Roku Streaming Stick 4K/4K+, Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro) and television that supports 4K or HDR.
Q: How has inflation impacted demand for Roku’s products?
A: Roku offers a device for every budget, beginning at $29.99 with the Roku Express. Many consumers are exploring ways (big and small) to save money during this time.
With Roku, there’s no monthly equipment fee, no contracts, and the unbiased search makes it easy to find thousands of entertainment options for free or at a low cost.
Q: Among your customers, what is the most popular aspect of the Roku Ultra bundle?
A: The Roku Ultra — our fastest and most powerful streaming player — is equipped with hands-free voice controls, a rechargeable remote, and more. The Roku Ultra comes fully loaded with the fastest channel launch, lost remote finder, private listening, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay, and more.
(Vendor officials say the Roku Ultra bundle, including the Roku Voice Remote Pro, is available for $99.99.)
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