The new 2015 Roku 2 (4210) and Roku 3 (4230) streamers we unveiled last week have begun arriving at retailers. Indeed, my local best Best Buy has both on the shelf. For the timing being, these units retain their existing US pricing – clocking in at $70 and $100, respectively. However, with the recent Apple TV price reduction and presumed summer updates, it’s safe to assume we’ll see periodic sales if not an outright drop in the coming months.
For 2015, we see power parity between the Roku 2 and Roku 3… as both feature the same hardware, including a slightly revised enclosure that pretty much maintains the same footprint as the prior editions. Beyond that exterior though, we believe the guts are identical same this time around. Whereas the 2013 Roku 3 was significantly faster and featured newer, better apps than the Roku 2, it looks like we’re on even footing this year. Which brings up the difference in the two models…
The 2013 Roku 3 shipped with a motion control gaming remote and headphone jack, so as not to disturb a sleeping parter. The 2015 Roku 3 bundles a new “Enhanced Remote” that inherits all the power of its predecessor but also packs voice search à la Amazon Fire TV… and we took the new feature for a spin here.
Whether or not the $30 premium for a motion control gaming remote featuring earbuds and microphone is worthwhile will largely depend on your needs. However, I suspect most folks who don’t currently possess Roku, which remains our preferred streamer, would be best served by the cheaper Roku 2 (2015). For those with newer Rokus, there may not be enough here to pull the trigger on an upgrade — especially since we expect the new My Feed feature, detailed here, to make its way to earlier models and it’s highly likely voice search will land on Roku’s iPhone and Android apps. As such, I’ll continue pining away for a Roku 4 or Roku 4K.
By the by, all models now feature quick launch buttons but they vary by model and region. The US 2015 Roku 3 has Netflix, Amazon, Rdio, and Hulu Plus, whereas the US 2015 Roku 2 swaps in Sling TV for Hulu Plus. Another example – the Canadian Roku 3 has Google Play and YouTube.
That quick launch button game sounds lucrative for roku. I personally would want the Canadian google play and YouTube buttons. +Pandora or HBO +Netflix
Now that TiVo killed my podcasts I might have to get on the roku train… I just hate having multi devices. In sure I won’t get improved YouTube subscription and watch list lists on my Xbox one. Arg
“Beyond that exterior though, we believe the guts are identical same this time around.”
Roku 2 has Ethernet this time around?
“Wether (sic) or not the $30 premium for a motion control gaming remote featuring earbuds and microphone is worthwhile will largely depend on your needs.”
Do both remotes have the same communication methods? IIRC, in the olden days, the ‘non-premium’ remote used to be IR only.
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“including a slightly revised enclosure that pretty much maintains the same footprint as the prior editions.”
But this design looks significantly more aerodynamic. Much better gas mileage.
“By the by, all models now feature quick launch buttons but they vary by model and region.”
My sources tell me that in Nebraska and Kansas, the Roku remote will feature dedicated Tide and Cottonelle Amazon Dash buttons.
Chucky, According the FCC filing, it’s the same Roku STB hardware as far as communication protocols go and photos indicate both have Ethernet. As to the remotes themselves, I’m not sure if the 2 does RF (Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, whatev) in addition or in lieu of IR. However, I’m fairly certain could be upgraded/replaced after the fact with a remote accessory. I just reviewed my photos from Best Buy and I didn’t get any shots of the back or side panels of the Roku 2 box and well everything is closed today – sorry. Interestingly, the prior Roku 2 shipped with a headphone remote and earbuds, so it was something more than IR and that feature has been dropped as they realign the tiers. Regarding IR, I’m sure many will be bummed no programmable power or volume buttons to also control TV.
Evan, we’re most likely always going to have multiple boxes. Fortunately, so many are physically small and inexpensive these days. TiVo and Xbox One being the exceptions.
All, here’s some of the history on Roku model branding confusion. It must drive their customer support agents batty.
http://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/31int1/i_picked_up_a_2015_roku_3_at_best_buy_remote_has/cq1yj44
“Regarding IR, I’m sure many will be bummed no programmable power or volume buttons to also control TV.”
Yeah. But I would’ve been absolutely astonished, (pleasantly, of course), if that had come about. It just didn’t seem even vaguely in the cards.
It’s incredibly weird to me that nobody but TiVo and Comcast, (and maybe other MSO’s?) seem to get the whole concept that a few programmable, (preferably ‘learning’), buttons on a premium remote is a significant competitive advantage for a non-trivial chunk of consumers. (And I still don’t understand why TiVo itself doesn’t get this concept well enough to offer an S5 Glo. The Slide is fine, but a Glo would rule. I’d pay an absurdly high price for one.)
All the OTT device makers are just clueless.
Maybe they just want you to buy a Roku TV… ;)
Where,s-my refund roku/sling tv never again you hear me,
I don’t see naything compelling to make me upgrade. Especially since they are still using WiFi Direct with the Roku 3. I rarely use my Rokus anymore since other devices have surpassed most of what I used to use on my Rokus.
“I don’t see naything compelling to make me upgrade.”
I told Roku to send out a firmware upgrade to brick older models. But did they listen to me? Noooooo.
Old Roku 2 XS (Model 3100) have wired internet, other than the lack of headphone jack on the remote and a bit slower processor it’s basically a Roku 3. Judging by the new offerings i don’t see any reason to change it. Best 53 dollars I’ve spent (factory refurbished).