Roku Gets Update Ahead Of Apple TV Refresh

Roku, quite astutely, made its move to get ahead of the anticipated October Apple TV refresh by announcing a new product line with three streaming devices at solid price points. In March, Roku debuted the Roku 3, which was the post powerful streaming player to date, at $99.99. In October, though, Roku will sell updated versions of the Roku LT, and new Roku 1 and Roku 2 players; the LT will run for $49.99 and feature 720p HD, the 1 will be $10 more for 1080p HD, and the 2 will be $79.99 for 1080p and dual-band Wi-Fi with a remote, instead of the standard Wi-Fi. One of the Roku’s most popular features — the Wi-Fi remote — only works with the Roku 2 and 3; the Roku line will also soon feature the DIAl standard, which will allow users to use the Roku like they would the Chromecast. Along with an improved UI, these updates make the Roku one of the best options for cord-cutters, and may yet give Apple TV a serious run for its money.