Roku Rolls Out Smaller Subwoofer, Updated Express Streamer
Roku gave its streaming lineup and the Roku OS a refresh today with the introduction of an updated Roku Express and the Roku Wireless Bass, a budget-priced media streamer and a wireless subwoofer, respectively.
The Roku Wireless Bass is designed to work with Roku audio devices like the Wireless TV Speakers, Streambar, and Streambar Pro, adding low-frequency power to speakers that don't necessarily have much themselves. The Wireless Bass is actually the second subwoofer Roku has put out; it already offers the Roku Wireless Subwoofer, which the company is now renaming the Roku Wireless Bass Pro.
The Wireless Bass is a smaller model, with a 5.25-inch subwoofer driver to the Wireless Bass Pro's 10-inch driver, and and just over half the width. This means it might not put out quite as much thump, but it's easier to fit next to a couch or media center. It's also $50 less than the Wireless Subwoofer, at $129.99.
The two subwoofers are functionally identical; either can work with the Roku Streambar or Streambar Pro, or with a Roku TV with Roku Wireless Speakers connected. It requires some form of Roku home theater speaker though; it isn't a standalone subwoofer.
The Roku Express is the latest in the company's Express line of budget media streamers. Like its predecessor, it can show media from most major streaming services in 1080p resolution. In fact, it's nearly identical to the previous Roku Express, except this new model adds dual-band Wi-Fi for improved performance. It keeps the $29.99 price tag, making it appealing for users of 1080p TVs, but 4K TV owners should consider the $39.99, 4K-capable Roku Express 4K+ if they want an inexpensive media streaming experience.
Roku also announced Roku OS 11.5, the newest operating
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