Barb Gonzalez

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Barb Gonzalez  |  Jul 15, 2013  |  Published: Jan 31, 2014

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $100

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Remote control with headphone jack
Global movie title search
Zippy processor for quick navigation and search
Minus
Can only be connected via HDMI

THE VERDICT
Performance improvements and a new interface make streaming easy and keep Roku ahead of the competition.

Where other companies that make media players seem stuck in endless delays in the release of new models, it seems that Roku rolls out a new option every few months. I’m not complaining. Its newest release, the Roku 3, is my favorite so far. I use a Roku box with my bedroom TV because my tech-challenged partner can easily understand how to navigate its menus. Roku 3 has now added a headphone jack in the remote that mutes the TV when you plug into it. No longer do I have to endure listening to explosions, gunshots, and car-chase scenes while I’m trying to fall asleep. Performance improvements plus a new interface and box design continue to keep Roku ahead of its competition.

Barb Gonzalez  |  Nov 04, 2015

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $130

AT A GLANCE
Plus
4K streaming to UHDTV
Agnostic search finds titles in multiple services
Notifications when specific movies become available

Minus
Remote mic is inaccurate
Search can’t find specific episodes of specific seasons

THE VERDICT
If you own a 4K TV, this is a slam-dunk. If not, the advances in hardware are still enough to step up from a Roku 2.

One must wonder if Roku waited to release its fourth-generation media streamer until the aptly named Roku 4 was capable of streaming 4K content. The newest Roku box can connect to compatible UHDTVs to stream 4K movies, TV shows, and videos from Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, M-Go, and a growing number of 4K streaming sources. And though 4K streaming is the Roku 4’s main appeal, improvements in hardware and the software interface make it the best Roku box yet.

Barb Gonzalez  |  Aug 12, 2020
If you've cut the cord and are looking for free content, Roku and Plex have new Live TV offerings.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 19, 2019
Roku today announced new streaming players and an upgrade to its operating system that will make it easier to browse content.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 14, 2022
Roku just announced the Roku OS11.5 update to its operating system. This update includes improved discovery features for users to find and stream what they want to watch from the home screen. The fall virtual press conference also brought news of a lower-priced Roku Express player and wireless subwoofer.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Sep 22, 2021
Roku is upgrading its operating system and has announced plans to release a new Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ in October. The new Roku OS 10.5 promises to speed up content retrieval and improve Roku Voice commands in addition to adding wireless surround sound and streamlined audio adjustments.
Barb Gonzalez  |  May 13, 2021
Roku officially announces the addition of live TV channels and Roku Originals while in the middle of a feud with Google that has resulted in the YouTube TV channel being removed. Here are the details.
Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 10, 2012
Roku showed a network media player that is simply a large dongle that connects directly to your TV set. Shrinking the already small Roku 2 design even more, the new device doesn’t reduce the content or experience.

The Roku dongle will connect to an HDMI port on your TV. It will not come with its own remote. Instead, once connected, you can use the TV remote to navigate the Roku’s home screen, channels and to control playback.

Barb Gonzalez  |  Apr 14, 2021
Roku has announced its Spring 2021 product line and new updates to the Roku operating system, Roku OS 10. There are a few new exciting products and features—some playing catchup with other systems' capabilities, and others that are leapfrogging ahead. 
Barb Gonzalez  |  Mar 15, 2023
Roku promises an enhanced user experience when it rolls out a new OS 12 update in the coming weeks. In addition to delivering a revamped mobile app, the update will expand access to sports and live TV and use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to improve personalized viewing recommendations.

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