Roku Announced New Streaming Devices, Software, and AirPlay 2 Support

• Roku is throwing new streaming and media devices in the market, along with a new OS.
• The platform also introduced support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, finally linking to the iOS space.
• The Roku Channel has also received a generous enrichment in its free channels list.

Roku has made a big announcement introducing a refreshed "Roku Ultra," the brand new "Roku Streambar," Roku OS 9.4, and support for AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit. In addition to that, there's a new and free streaming app for "The Roku Channel," which will expand its free-access lineup by adding Cinedigm's Bloody Disgusting TV, The Craftistry from Studio71, Circle, HappyKids.tv, Hi-YAH! - The Martial Arts Channel, iFood.tv, The LEGO® Channel, Maverick Black Cinema, Moviesphere, Skills + Thrills, VENN, WeatherSpy, and more.

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The "Roku Ultra" remains at the top of the line, and now comes with 50% more wireless range and also Bluetooth support. This should make using wireless headphones with Roku possible. Another important addition is the introduction of Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos support.

Finally, the "Ultra" is powered by a quad-core processor that can accept voice commands from the user and launch anything in a snap. The price remained the same as the previous generation, which is $99.

The "Roku Streambar" is a new entry in the company's lineup, combining streaming capabilities and soundbar functionality. Thus, it's meant to accompany TVs, push 4K content through HDMI, and cast music from other devices via Bluetooth connectivity.

Roku promises rich Dolby Audio despite the Streambar's small size, as it packs four speakers whose volume is actively controlled and adjusted by the device to remain crisp and immersive. The cost for a Streambar was set to $169.

Roku OS 9.4 arrives with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support on select 4K Roku devices, so iPhone, iPad, and Mac connectivity is finally a reality on the platform. This means Roku can also be controlled through Siri now, opening up a world of possibilities and user comfort.

Besides that, the new OS comes with numerous performance enhancements, support for multi-channel speaker configurations, and a rich set of re-written user guides for everything one can do with a Roku device.

And to celebrate all that, Roku has also announced three special offers for those who purchase a device in the following period.

• From today until October 4, 2020 – A 30-day trial of "The Roku Channel."
• From September 25, 2020, to November 6, 2020 – A 3-month trial of the Pandora Premium music streaming service.
• From October 23, 2020, to January 31, 2021 – Three months of free Apple TV+, available only to new Apple TV+ subscribers.