Roku’s Express 4K Plus player offers HDR and a new interface
- Roku has introduced the Express 4k Plus, a budget player with more powerful HDR-capable hardware.
- It is also the first device to ship with the simpler and more powerful Roku OS 10.
- The Plus ships for $ 39.99 in mid-May, while a new remote and the Streambar Pro are also on deck.
One of Roku’s cheapest media hubs just got a whole lot more powerful. Roku introduced the Express 4K Plus, an upgrade from the base Express that offers 4K HDR (in HDR10 and HDR10 Plus) as well as increased overall performance and a new user interface.
The faster quad-core processor, dual-band WiFi and additional onboard storage in the Express 4K Plus not only help with playback, but also improve the loading times of the channels. You also get a voice remote and the latest support for the ecosystem, including control from Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s HomeKit.
Software may play as important a role as hardware. The Express 4K Plus is the first Roku player to debut with OS 10, which promises a more powerful but streamlined experience. Perhaps the most convenient upgrade is instant resume – you can quickly go back to the last seat on a given channel. The feature is currently limited to supporting channels such as AT&T TV, Starz, and The Roku Channel. However, more are expected in the future.
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Setup should also be made easier with automatic Wi-Fi detection, game console detection on Roku TVs, and voice input for some onscreen keyboards. You can customize the US live TV guide by adding favorite channels or hiding others. Voice search provides more visual and comprehensive results.
You get more raw power. OS 10 brings AirPlay 2 and HomeKit to pure HD Roku devices, not just UHD hardware like the Express 4K Plus. HDR10 + is similarly new to the Express 4K family and the Ultra. Virtual Surround meanwhile enables immersive sound for Roku soundbars.
The Express 4K Plus will be available in mid-May for $ 39.99. A sibling, the Express 4K, comes with a basic remote control and will be available for sale over the next few weeks for $ 35 in the US, Canada, Mexico and the UK.
A $ 29.99 Voice Remote Pro is available now and solves some of the key issues with standard controls, including a rechargeable USB battery, lost remote finder, and hands-free voice. If you want enhanced sound, a $ 179.99 Streambar Pro develops the Smart Soundbar with a voice-enabled remote control and support for virtual surround. It will go on sale through Roku’s website in late May and reach retailers in June.
