- Roku announced the Stream Bar.
- It is effectively a sound bar with video streaming smarts.
- Roku also announced that standalone mobile apps are also in the works for its Roku channel.
Roku offers a wide range of streaming products for a relatively low price. Occasionally, however, the company launches devices that crave more sophisticated streaming solutions. Now the company has announced something more premium with the Roku Stream Bar.
Though it plays in the same niche as Roku's Smart Soundbar, the Stream Bar is around $ 50 cheaper at $ 130. For an all-in-one audio and video streaming solution that doesn't seem like an overly high premium, even though the price of stickers is ~ $ 40 higher than the Roku Ultra.
Like the cousin of the Smart Soundbar, the Stream Bar is also a soundbar with integrated video streaming smarts. It's compatible with any TV that also has an HDMI port, and a Roku remote control is also included.
For audio lovers, the stream bar is Dolby Audio enabled and also offers Bluetooth support and Spotify Connect support for streaming music from third party devices. For video streaming enthusiasts, 4K streaming is also supported, while Crisp Clear Dialogue can clear the audio from annoyingly loud commercials.
This little trick can also come in handy alongside the Roku Canal. The offer, which combines free and premium TV services, currently includes over 115 live and linear streaming partners. In addition, a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS is to be received, with which Roku customers can stream from their phone or tablet.
In particular, support for Apple AirPlay and Homekit will soon be available for Roku devices as well.
There's no word on when the stream bar will be available, but the Roku Channel's apps will be "soon" in the app stores.
Next: The Best Roku Streaming Players: What Are Your Choices?