After the update, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision compatible Ultra will be more competitive with the best streamers such as Apple TV 4K and Amazon Fire TV family. Both already offer Bluetooth audio output. In addition to the Bluetooth update, Roku is adding features that make it easier to discover new shows, follow shows you’re already interested in, and easily return to shows you’ve watched before.
Roku is introducing a new operating system (version 11.5) for streamers and Roku TVs. This update includes a number of new features, including the Bluetooth audio output we’ve been waiting for for a while. The new features have been added to the company’s flagship product, the Roku Ultra 4K Streamer ($90). Until now, the only options were to connect wired headphones to the remote or use the company’s smartphone app for private listening while watching TV.
Highlights
Wireless Bass adds low frequency sound support and can be placed in a room up to 30 feet away from your Roku speakers or soundbar. Both the Roku Express (2022) and the wireless base are available for pre-order now, with the express shipping mid-October and the wireless base shipping his early November. Roku also has a $250 Streambar and Wireless Bass bundle available for pre-order, which is expected to ship in early November.
Another new feature, Save List, can be used to save shows from multiple streaming apps such as HBO Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Roku Channel, and more to come. With the OS version 11.5 update, Roku will release two new hardware products of his, the Roku Express (2022) and Wireless Bass. The $30 Roku Express (2022) is the company’s new entry-level streaming stick, said to have a faster and more powerful processor. It also comes with dual-band WiFi support. Roku’s Wireless Bass is a subwoofer designed specifically for use with the company’s Streambar, Roku TV Wireless Speakers, and Roku TV Wireless Soundbar.
Today, it’s not enough for companies to just create streaming hardware. Amazon, Google, and Roku are also making inroads into TV operating systems, with brands such as Amazon and Hisense devices powered by Fire TV, TCL and Hisense devices powered by Roku, and Sony running Google TV alongside TCL and Hisense.