Roku Updates OS, Adds Streaming Stick With More Processing Power

Roku began taking pre-orders Tuesday for a next-generation Streaming Stick with eight times the processing power of its predecessor. The $49 device will begin shipping later this month, Roku said. Features include a quad-core processor; private listening via smartphone or tablet using the Roku app for iOS and Android device; Hotel and Dorm Connect; and cast capability from Netflix and YouTube apps directly to a TV, said Roku. The announcement of the new Roku Streaming Stick coincided with Roku’s release of its 7.1 operating system, which the company said simplifies search and discovery by adding new categories within the My Feed section. Users can view TV shows and movies from various popular streaming channels in one place on the Roku platform and then choose to watch them immediately, follow them in the Roku feed to see changes in availability and price, or watch when they become available for free viewing, Roku said. A feature unique to the Streaming Stick allows consumers to use the mobile app on phone or tablet to listen to a show through wired or wireless headphones, it said. The app can also serve as a remote control, enabling search by voice or an on-screen keyboard, Roku said. The Play On feature lets users streaming personal videos, music and photos to the TV using the stick. With the Hotel and Dorm Connect feature, users can connect a Roku device to a password-protected network like those found in hotels, dorms and other public places and sign in with their login credentials using the browser on their phone, tablet or laptop, said Roku.