Roku first launched one of its best streaming devices, the Roku Ultra, in 2015, and today it is re-launched with a significant upgrade

Dubbed the “Roku Ultra (2024),” the new model features a quad-core CPU that Roku claims is 30% faster than the original previous model and the best Roku devices released before it It also features the new second-generation Voice Remote Pro

Although somewhat niche, Roku also touts the new Ultra's quick media switching capabilities This means that the new Roku Ultra can be paired with the Samsung S95D and some of the best LG TVs to reduce pesky “HDMI bonks”

Roku will launch the Ultra in the US and Canada in a few weeks for $99, a most significant timing as Google prepares to launch its new Google TV Streamer at the exact same price

The streaming device ecosystem just got spicier, with Google and Roku going head-to-head with two premium streaming products that will improve everyday TV usage One is the inevitable evolution of the smart TV as the center of the smart home ecosystem, and the new Roku Ultra takes it seriously

Certain Roku smart home products, such as the Roku Doorbell Camera, will be seamlessly integrated and accessible in the new Ultra design This extends to the voice control that Ultra (2024) will support, with Roku providing one example: simply speaking “Hey Roku, show me the kid's room” will bring up a pop-up window directly on the display

These smart phones are used in a variety of applications

These smart home controls also work with Roku's smart light strips and light bulbs to create the perfect smart home interface without the high price tag It also has the advantage of being a complete streaming device that supports HDMI 21 and both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision

As mentioned above, the new Roku Ultra will feature a fantastic new remote control, the Voice Remote Pro 2nd generation, which is also included with the Roku Pro Series TVs This remote can be easily recharged via a USB-C connection, so there is no need to keep buying batteries, and the backlit buttons make it easy to switch between inputs even in dark dungeons

Roku also added Wi-Fi 6 to the Ultra (2024) to reduce bottlenecks and undue stress on the home network; WiFi 6 keeps devices connected and allows a wide range of devices to be used without lag Ethernet connectivity is also finally standard in the new design

Roku claims that the new Ultra is “30% faster than other Roku Players”; see Tom'sGuide for a review and comparison with other Roku products, as well as Google and Amazon Fire TV

Roku has also retrofitted an interesting new machine learning algorithm that “predicts which app you are going to open next” Of course, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ are all supported in the new design

The new Roku Ultra is available today for $99 at Rokucom With a faster CPU and some significant enhancements, it will be a big winner against the new Google TV Streamer, as long as the performance speaks for itself