Roku 3 announced: Improved specs for dinky media streamer
Roku has revealed the third generation of its set-top box media streaming range. The Roku 3 will feature a revised user interface and improved internal components that should make navigating the box and its content five times faster than the previous models.
In terms of design, the Roku 3’s black glossy box is now curvier than predecessors, packing in a more powerful processor, dual-band Wi-Fi and 1080p HDMI output.
A nifty new remote design also features a 3.5mm headphone port alongside a free pair of headphones, which will let you listen to a show or movie’s audio over Wi-Fi direct from the remote itself. That’s a great touch that we’ve never seen before, and one that all TV manufacturers should take note of.
In terms of interface (which you can check out in the video below), Roku have streamlined the homescreen, with a list of installed channels on the right hand side and menu controls including My Channels, the Channel Store, Search and Settings on the left. The overall channel count has now been boosted to over 750 too, including the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
The new interface will also be launching as a software update for older Roku boxes, including the Roku 2, Roku HD, Roku LT and Roku Streaming Stick, landing sometime in April.
The Roku 3 will hit stores in April, priced at $99. No word on a UK launch yet, but giving the growing popularity of the brand in Blighty, we’d expect to see it make the jump across the pond.
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