The battle for your living room TV entertainment and streaming capabilities has seen quite the increase over the last few weeks. As well as the multiple Android TV options that are now available, the last month has seen a new arrival from Apple in the form of the 2015 version of Apple TV. As well as an option from Amazon in the form of their latest version of the Fire TV. Now, adding to the increasing number of options available is the latest offering from Roku.
The Roku 4 has today been officially announced by Roku and brings with it a number of marked improvements over the previous generation devices. The Roku 4 comes equipped with a Quad-core processor and support for dual-band Wi-Fi. The Roku 4 is able to stream 4K content (up to 60 fps) and offers HDCP 2.2 and an Optical Audio out. Not to mention, it provides access to a variety of the most popular video and TV apps including both Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, as well as , M-Go, Vudu, Toon Goggles and YouTube. Interestingly, the Roku 4 also comes equipped with some more unique features like the ability to find your remote control when it is misplaced. While also offering a headphone jack socket on the remote for plugging in headphones and allowing for the listening of content without disturbing anyone else.
As well as the launch of the Roku 4, Roku also announced that the Android companion app is seeing a large update too. The update will make the Roku 4 more compatible and integrated with Android devices and allow for the use of key features including Roku Search, Roku Feed, Remote Control and Play on Roku. Essentially, improving the ability for the Roku 4 to be used and controlled by an Android device. While also being able to stream any 4K content they may have on their Android device directly to the Roku 4 or use 4K images as screensavers when the device is idle.
For those interested, as well as being announced, the Roku 4 is now available to pre-order starting from today. Roku state that the availability will go live in October, although a firm date was not provided. In terms of the cost, the Roku 4 can be currently pre-ordered for $129.99 directly from Roku as well as a number of retailers.
