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Roku 2 boxes updated for Francophones and English speakers alike
The latest update for Roku 2 and LT boxes is rolling out to all now, bringing the boxes to v4.6 and reportedly improving system navigation performance "by up to 50 percent". As noticed by Zatz Not Funny when it first started leaking out, this version includes the French language support required by Roku's Canadian launch (that's the channel selection for Canada pictured above) this week, while the official blog notes several other fixes and tweaks that should make launching channels like Netflix and BBC iPlayer a more reliable experience. As usual, it should be pushed to every box over the next couple of days, but you can speed up the process by manually checking for an update. Have an older Roku player? Don't worry, Director of Product Management Tom Markworth closes telling owners to "stay tuned" for future updates coming their way as well.
Refreshed Roku HD spotted in stores, drops the 2 but adds some purple flair
That purple-striped Roku HD seen skulking about the FCC last month has now been observed in the wild by our friend Dave Zatz. It's apparently on shelves now, with all the features of the box recently introduced as the Roku 2 HD, but without the 2. As he muses, Roku may be taking a "new iPad" style naming approach to its hardware going forward, a theory supported by the support site listing where it's already elbowed out the old Roku 2 HD. As far as differences, it's mostly the same with the exception of full size composite outputs around that should make it more friendly to HD-less environments, while the Bluetooth (for the optional gaming remote) and microSD slot options have been eliminated. We've heard from Roku that this refreshed model has a slightly larger footprint due to those composite jacks, but will stay at the same price of $59.99.
Official Roku remote app rolls out for Android
After delivering its official remote app for iOS in December, Roku has quickly followed that up with a version for Android. Claiming compatibility with any Android 2.1+ device, it appears to have all the latest tweaks from the iPhone version already included, with a D-Pad and shortcuts to popular apps. Users can also do the same basic functions like add / remove / rate channels, control playback, and control multiple Rokus. Hit the Android Market at the link below to snag the free app for yourself or head over to Roku's blog to let it know if this is truly better than the numerous unofficial apps already available.
Roku remote for iOS updated, easier navigation features in tow
Good news for folks who are enjoying the virtual hook-up between a certain line of miniature entertainment boxes and an iOS device. The Roku app's just hit version 1.1 and is bringing along some relatively fancy, but more importantly, useful features. Some of the new bits include a D-pad filled with buttons and shortcuts for apps like Netflix, Pandora and Crackle. Also, there's the inclusion of a new swipe-based remote -- which is optional -- that should help make navigating through applications a bit easier while you're lounging on the couch. You can grab the updated goodies now by heading to the App Store or hitting up the source link below.
Roku 2, LT update adds support for both MKVs and an upcoming official iOS remote app
Logitech's Revue isn't the only connected TV platform getting some holiday season update action, as Roku just announced a major update coming to all of its Roku 2 players (and the LT) with a slew of new features to. The two biggest additions we noted were support for MKV playback -- but no official local streaming channel yet, only USB playback is listed -- and mobile support for an official Roku iPhone app (unofficial ones are already available on many platforms, expect an Android version afterward) it says is "coming soon." That's not all however, as 3D (read: polygons, not glasses) game performance has been upgraded with new titles arriving soon to take advantage of it, while WiFi, Bluetooth remote battery and audio performance have all been tweaked. Hit the company blog for the official list of tweaks and keep an eye peeled for v4.2 build 1006 rolling out over the next couple of days to experience them firsthand. OG Roku boxes unfortunately appear to be left out of the fun for now -- the march from a onetime Netflix-only streamer to 300+ channels is not without a few casualties.
Roku planning to bring set-top boxes to Canada, UK in early 2012
It's been a big year for Roku. The streaming content box manufacturer launched its Roku 2 HD, XD and XS this summer, with a $50 LT model coming just last month. Now, the Netflix / HBO Go / Angry Birds player will cross the border into Canada and the U.K., with the expansion set to begin in early 2012. The company is looking to build its 350 channels with region-specific content, which can be provided free, supported by ads or with a subscription -- and if you choose to add your own content to the service, you'd certainly be in good company.
Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS officially launch: same price, smaller size and Angry Birds
Roku has gone from a barely known streaming media box manufacturer to a retail darling in a remarkably short amount of time (the last hardware revamp launched less than a year ago) and it's back with more new hardware to continue the assault. The Roku 2 lineup will put their (much smaller) footprint in the spaces left by their predecessors when they hit shelves later this month without changing the price one bit. Besides being more energy efficient, it brings new channels including Angry Birds, Epix, MLS and more, while also upgrading the Netflix experience with support for subtitles, surround sound and 1080p video. The pricing tiers of $60 (HD), $80 (XD) and $100 (XS) remain; while stepping up to the XD adds 1080p video output, splurging for the XS adds a game remote (a $29 accessory), included copy of Angry Birds plus Ethernet and USB ports. If you still need confirmation after all the leaks, there's another pic and a press release after the break, plus a quick demonstration of the box by the cutest product spokesperson of all time.
Roku 2 launch could be just around the corner
If the Roku 2 hardware spied passing through the FCC and lounging around a few beta tester's pads piqued your interest we have good news, it may be about to launch very soon. So far all we know is what we've seen of the shrunken cases and revamped IT remote, while upgraded processors within are bringing Angry Birds this summer. In the meantime, Zatz Not Funny has strung together an FCC filing for the new RF remote control and rumors indicating an impending launch at prices identical to current models. That puts the XD at $80 and the XS at $100, so if you were thinking about stopping off at Best Buy for a media streamer, you might want to hold off for a day or three.
Roku 2 HD struts its stuff in the wild along with a new remote (Update: new comparison pics)
Sure it already posed for the FCC's unflattering cameras, but now we can observe the Roku 2 HD -- with packed in MicroSD card and lightly refreshed remote -- in its natural habitat. Our tipster didn't indicate the provenance of this particular package but we'd previously heard they would start shipping to beta testers last week with an updated UI and this likely represents one of the lucky few delivered so far. The polished state of the hardware and packaging suggests the testing period is to work out any software kinks and (more likely) get in a few rounds of Angry Birds; until we hear something about more specific you can check out a few more of shots in the gallery. Update: Another anonymous tipster has just sent over this picture of one of the new units next to a Roku XD that gives a good impression of how tiny the new units really are, and another showing the surround sound option. They also noted the new hardware shows improved picture quality, however at this stage the UI isn't different and there aren't any new games available yet. [Thanks, Geraldine] %Gallery-127471%
Roku 2 line passes through the FCC with modest hardware updates and a reset button
It hasn't even been a year since Roku last updated its line of streaming media players -- but nine months is a long time in the gadget world. So it was pleasant, though not entirely surprising, to spot a trio of new devices from the IPTV pioneer sauntering through the FCC bearing the model numbers 3000X, 3050X, and 3100X. Eventually the three boxes will likely be sold as the Roku 2 HD, XD, and XS respectively. We'll have to wait to see if there's anything new on the software side, but we can tell you there have been a host of hardware changes, even if they don't amount to a major upgrade. First off, the new models are more rounded and much smaller than their predecessors. Judging by the label affixed to the underside -- which we know is 44.65mm x 44.65mm (about 1.7 inches) -- the latest Rokus are about the size of an Apple TV, and perhaps a bit smaller. Inside that tiny case is a new Broadcom 2835 SOC, an 802.11n radio, a MicroSD slot, Bluetooth, and (most exciting) a reset button -- no more unplugging when Hulu freezes up. Oddly, only the XS retains the Ethernet jack, though the top of the line model ditches support for dual-band WiFi. The primary difference between the HD and XD models still appears to be the latter's ability to push out 1080p video, while the XS adds a USB port and gets a spiffy new RF remote, which we're hoping takes a cue from the Boxee clicker. While you impatiently await important information, like pricing and release date, check out the comparison chart after the break.
