Documents filed with the FCC earlier this month pointed to at least three possible new Roku devices currently in development. At the time, details were few and far between, but new leaks have confirmed new models are in fact on the way, and they will be much more than simple updates to the existing models.
One of the biggest changes is that the familiar 1, 2, 3, and 4 model numbers are going away, according to Zatz Not Funny. Instead, the lowest tier model will be replaced by the Roku Express and Express Plus, which appear to be priced at around $50 and $60 respectively, though what the difference is between the two remains to be seen. Recently, Zatz got his hands on pictures of the upcoming models, seen below.
The Roku Premiere and Premiere Plus will replace the Roku 2 and 3, though unlike the current models, these will both feature 4K support. In the case of the Premiere Plus, it will also offer High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, a first for Roku devices. The Premiere and Premiere Plus look to retail for $100 and $120, respectively, though as with the above models, this is based on leaked promotional pricing and could change before launch.
That leaves the 4640 model number, which is named the Roku Ultra and will retail for around $150. Like the Premiere Plus, this model will also feature both 4K resolution and HDR support, though it goes a little further in terms of features. As the most advanced of the three, this model also looks to feature an optical audio out, USB 2.0 port, and remote locator function, in addition to Ethernet and Micro SD, which are also featured on the Premiere Plus.
For the time being, Roku isn’t commenting, so no information on possible release dates is available. One listing found by Zatz indicates we could see the models launching as early as September 7, but nothing has been confirmed as of the time of this writing. Given the amount of details we’re beginning to see, it seems likely that we’ll see the new models heading to store shelves sometime this fall.
Updated on 09-23-2016 by Kris Wouk: Added leaked images.
