Amazon may rule the roost when it comes to streaming TV but one rival continues to be a thorn in its side. Roku is another popular firm when it comes to tuning into shows and movies and the company is now back with some new televisions that take aim at Amazon’s Fire TV range of screens.
The latest update includes two QLED CHiQ Roku TV goggleboxes which come packed with features such as pin-sharp QLED displays, support for stunning HDR10 picture quality and a metal frameless design to help them blend in your living room.
They are also power by Roku’s operating system which means there’s full access to all the most popular streaming services such as Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, Paramount+ BBC iPlayer, ITVX and the popular Roku channel.
Apple TV+ also comes included with Roku confirming that owners can watch this premium service for free – that epic deal is for three months before needing to pay the usual subscription fee.
Other extras include a customisable home screen, powerful universal search function that shows results ordered by price. It is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home for easy voice control.
It comes in two sizes including a 43-inch screen which costs £249.99 and a bigger 50-inch display for £299.99.
“The Roku OS is designed to make it easier, faster, and more affordable for consumers to watch what they love,” said Richard Halton, Country Manager at Roku UK. “We are pleased to build on our partnership with CHiQ to launch Roku’s next QLED TV model in the UK. This new series combines CHiQ’s high-end TVs with Roku’s smart yet simple streaming platform to create the perfect home entertainment experience at a great price point.”
This update from Roku comes as Amazon has also just refreshed its Fire TVs with the launch of a new flagship range.
The latest Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series comes in 55-, 65- and 75-inch versions and use what’s known as QLED mini-LED displays that offer better contrast, brightness and picture quality compared to cheaper, regular LED TVs.
This tech “optimises picture quality, audio, and performance to deliver the most powerful and innovative Amazon-built TV yet”, according to Amazon.
Amazon claims the new tellies can reach peak brightness levels of 1,400 nites, support Dolby Vision OQ and HDR10+ Adaptive visual standards and have “Intelligent Picture technology” that is said to use artificial intelligence to make whatever is on the screen look as good as possible.