(Editor’s Note: We’ve updated this post with official hardware specs from Roku.)
It must be fall because Roku’s just shared its newest slate of software and hardware announcements. In addition to the next version of its latest software, Roku OS 10.5, the company is also unveiling an upgraded Streaming Stick meant to replace the earlier, 4K-capable Streaming Stick+. This latest model is called the Roku Streaming Stick 4K, and it packs some hardware upgrades to go along with a more robust feature set, especially when it comes to support for high-dynamic range video, or HDR.
Let’s get the basics out of the way: The new Roku Streaming Stick 4K takes the familiar, travel-friendly form factor we’ve seen in previous iterations, and packs in some improved capabilities.
The company says the new CPU inside should offer the best performing Streaming Stick ever, and it’s claiming boot-up times have improved by up to 30 percent. A revamped WiFi receiver reportedly offers up wireless speeds up to twice as fast as the outgoing model.
If you’re curious about specs, here’s what we’ve learned about Roku’s latest hardware offering:
- Model Number: 3820X (Streaming Stick 4K), 3821X (Streaming Stick 4K+)
- CPU: ARM Cortex A55
- RAM: 1 GB
- Maximum User Interface Resolution (On screen menus): 1080p
- Maximum Content Playback Resolution: 4K, 60fps, HDR
- HDR Support: HDR10/10+, HLG, Dolby Vision
On the feature set side of things, the new model outpaces the Streaming Stick+. Where the older version’s HDR support started and ended with the HDR10 standard, this new option adds support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K includes the company’s Voice Remote with TV Controls, but if you want a more advanced input device, you have another option. It’s called the Roku Streaming 4K+ and it bundles the same streaming hardware with the top-of-the-line Roku Voice Remote Pro, which includes a rechargeable battery and hands-free voice support.
As for pricing and availability, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K will retail for $49.99 and the company expects it to ship sometime in mid-October. Meanwhile, the Streaming Stick 4K+ comes in at $69.99 and should ship during the same time frame. Preorders for both models are now available at the links below:
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K (Preorder): Amazon (Expected Ship Date: Oct. 14, 2021)
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (Preorder): Amazon (Expected Ship Date: Oct. 17, 2021)
An Upgraded Roku Ultra LT
The company is also upgrading the Walmart-only Ultra LT streaming device with updated hardware and a more robust feature set. Detailed specs were hard to come by while we were writing this post, but Roku says the new Ultra LT offers improved performance, more storage space, and longer-range WiFi. As for features, the new Ultra LT adds support for Dolby Vision HDR.
The updated Ultra LT should be available at Walmart “in the coming weeks,” according to Roku. As for pricing details, the new model will retail for $79.99, which is a $10 jump from the current pricing on the previous Ultra LT.
Of course, we’re looking forward to getting some hands-on time with Roku’s latest hardware in the near-future. In the meantime, be sure to check out our coverage of Roku OS 10.5, the company’s newest software update.
Images: Roku