Roku Debuts Brand New $29 Streaming Box and Updated Operating Platform

Streaming device maker Roku had two big announcements this week, announcing a new $29 streaming Roku Express box that is roughly 10% smaller than its predecessor and the latest version of its operating platform.

“We’re driven by the goal of delivering an exceptional streaming experience to our customers that includes endless entertainment and intuitive ways to find it,” said Mark Ely, Vice President, Players and Whole Home Product Management at Roku.

“Our new streaming player lineup continues to offer a device for every type of streamer. Whether you’re streaming to your TV for the first time or are a cord-cutting power-house who wants our ultimate streaming device – we’ve got something for everyone.”

In a separate press release the company announced Roku OS 9.2, which has a new feature called Roku Zones that makes it easier to find content based on the genre you’re most interested in. It also has a refreshed 4K Spotlight to help you find movies and TV shows.

“The Roku OS allows consumers to easily get to the content they want to watch so they can sit back and relax,” said Ilya Asnis, senior vice president of Roku OS at Roku. “With Roku OS 9.2, we are giving our customers new content-rich experiences around 4K, voice and home screen controls.”

According to Roku’s press release, features coming to Roku devices in Roku OS 9.2 include:

Roku Zones – Search for a genre or topical subject for a curated selection of relevant content from channels across the Roku platform. Roku Zones are organized into browsable, categorized rows that may include new releases, titles that are free to watch, rentals and more. Examples include the “Drama Movies & TV Zone” or the “Superhero Movies Zone” which will be frequently updated providing users with a refreshed selection of entertainment. Additional genre and topical Zones may be added over time.

4K Spotlight Channel – A content-first, hand-curated selection of brilliant 4K entertainment from channels across the Roku platform now leverages the new Roku Zones architecture. Browse a wide variety of 4K titles across a number of categories such as Most Popular, Action, Drama, TV shows, 4K channels and more.

The company’s release also stated that Roku OS 9.2 will begin rolling out to select Roku players this month and is expected to roll out to all supported streaming players, including the Roku Smart Soundbar, in the coming weeks. Roku TV models are expected to receive the update in phases over the coming months.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Roku Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) and have not been compensated for this article.