After weeks of leaks, the Roku 4 finally breaks cover. As expected, new 4K and 801.11ac capabilities receive top billing, Also, not too shabby is the additional of optical output, unlike the majority of its streaming competition. And the mystery of that top port or sensor is finally solved. It’s neither. But, rather, a remote finder button used in conjunction with a small speaker grill on the back of an updated remote. To contain the upgraded tech, including a new quad core processor, the iconic Roku puck is no more — replaced with something that resembles a hotplate.
On the app side, Roku boasts more 4K content than others — beyond the requisite Amazon and Netflix, the HDCP 2.2 platform will also bring Vudu and M-Go at launch. But these app updates could end up replicating what one finds natively on their 4K televisions. And why it pains me that Roku didn’t sneak an OTA tuner or HDMI pass-thru into the larger chassis this time around. They’ve got a pleasant and efficient user interface (that already includes television support) and could keep non-DVR folks pinned to Input 1. Perhaps they disagree on the value of unifying that OTA linear and over-the-top content, like a TiVo or Xbox. Or maybe they’ve got some sort of non-compete in place with their television partners. Another missed opportunity is cleaning up that remote. Roku’s top tier streamer breaks the $100 threshold for the first time, clocking in at $130 – $30 more than the 4k Fire TV. I’d think this flagship model could easily do away with the spam buttons. And one reason why I may never upgrade from my 2014 Roku 3.
Roku indicates a significant software update is also on tap, although details (and visuals) remain light. The most compelling piece may have less to do with the interface as Roku takes a page from the Fire TV playbook:
The Hotel and Dorm Connect feature allows you to easily connect your Roku player, Roku TV and Roku Streaming Stick to Wi-Fi networks that require sign-in through a web browser like those commonly found in hotel rooms, college dorms and other public locations. Simply connect your Roku device to the password-protected network, sign-in with your login credentials using the browser on your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, and you’re ready to start streaming.
Roku OS 7 will be made available to a number of existing Roku models later this month which, incidentally, is also when the Roku 4 begins shipping. For me, Amazon may become my go-to streamer given the incoming TiVo support. With Amazon gaining steam and Apple TV finally taking this space seriously, I hope Roku has long term plans to migrate their platform to Android to ensure ongoing app availability. Roku’s platform is highly accessible to developers, given every community church has a channel, yet it seems more limited in capabilities and represents yet another platform to develop on for the big dogs.