Roku 4: 4K streaming device packed with features

Roku 4www.Roku.com

Roku 4, the latest streaming device in the market, is every couch potato's dream, jam-packed with features and impressive resolution.

The new Roku 4 is bigger than its predecessor at 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches and weighs 0.9 lbs. Its larger make allows for more features to be put in, which makes it faster and allow for better WiFi connectivity. It outputs images in 4K Ultra High-Definition on 4K enabled television and 1080p on high-definition. It is also able to smoothly up-scale 720p images to 1080p HD on 1080p HD and 4K UHD televisions. It is capable of 30 frames per second (fps) and 60fps 4K streaming and enables playback of videos from USB drives.

The sound quality on Roku 4 is delivered through Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound that outputs via HDMI or optical output.

Roku 4 has a microSD card port for additional game and channel storage and an available USB port for other accessories. There are a variety of compatible formats that it can read from a USB. It can play MP4, MKV, and HEVC videos at H.264 format and MP3, Apple Lossless, WMA, and AAC music formats. It supports images in JPG and PNG, as well as 4K UHD resolution photos which displays nicely on the Roku 4.

Roku 4 runs on a Roku OS7 for better stream searching and now supports content from HBO Now, which is available through the Roku Channel Store.

Another feature that Roku 4 announced is its enhanced remote control equipped with a voice search function, which allows users to search their favorite content through voice commands. Its remote control also has gaming capability and a headphone jack. Finding one's misplaced Roku 4 remote control is also made easier with its lost remote finder. Just a push of a button lets a user locate the remote control. Android, iOS, and Windows may also be used to control Roku 4. 

Roku 4 is available at $129.99 for pre-order on its website and will start shipping on Oct. 21.