Roku Ultra (2024) launches as a rival to the Google TV Streamer
Roku has refreshed the top model of its streaming players. The new Roku Ultra (2024) comes with no visual changes on the exterior, a handful of upgrades on the inside, and the same price as the previous generation.
While the new Roku Ultra looks no different from the previous generation, Roku says it has a new and powerful quad-core chipset that makes it 30% faster than other Roku players. Roku claims the new CPU allows for faster loading of content and a more fluid navigation.
The Roku Ultra (2024) also has support for Quick Media Switching (QMS) for 'judder-free transitions between different refresh rates or content sources on premium TVs'. Roku also says the streamer uses machine learning to anticipate what app a user is going to open next for faster app loading.
Another upgrade is the support for Wi-Fi 6 for a faster wireless connection. There's still an ethernet port for those who prefer a wired connection. Roku has also bundled the streamer with the Voice Remote Pro (2nd edition) which has backlit buttons, hands-free commands, a lost-remote finder, and USB-C charging.
Roku has designed the streamer to work with its smart home products such as the Roku Doorbell Camera which will show a pop-up on the screen if someone is at the door. You can also use the Roku Ultra (2024) to check all your camera feeds by launching the Roku Smart Home app or issuing a voice command.
In addition to an ethernet port, the streamer has a USB 3.0 (Type-A) port, an HDMI 2.1b port, and a barrel-style power port. There's support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Digital Surround Sound. It also works with Google Home, Apple Homekit, and Amazon Alexa.
The Roku Ultra (2024) is available to buy today in the US and Canada for $99.99. At this price, it will be going head-to-head against the Google TV Streamer (available to buy on Amazon for $99.99).
