The Official Roku Blog finally announced the new and much smaller Roku 2 product line, and the new models include an updated Netlfix channel with subtitles and 1080p support. The $99 Roku XS has a beefier GPU and a new Bluetooth remote that enables gaming on the Roku, and includes a copy of Angry Birds.
Three models of the Roku 2 are available: the Roku 2 HD ($59 – 720p), Roku 2 XD ($79 – 1080p) and Roku 2 XS ($99 – Enhanced Remote, Ethernet, USB, 1080p). Only the XS comes standard with the new enhanced remote control, but all the models now include Bluetooth, so you will soon be able to add the motion remote for use with these models for $29.
The new models should be available by the end of July and will be available from Roku, Amazon, Best Buy, Fry's and Radio Shack.
Roku also announced that they now offer 300 channels, including Facebook, Fox News, and they're working on an official YouTube app.
Looks good. The difference now, though, is you have buy the XS at $99 to get Ethernet where before you could get Ethernet on the XD for $79.
The games look cool.
Posted by: Tom Husband | July 20, 2011 at 07:48 AM
So much better than the AppleTV2, BoxeeBox.
Roku is definitely becoming bigger and bigger!
Posted by: EbanOnAir | July 20, 2011 at 09:31 AM
The big question over at the Roku Blog seems to be around supporting the older models. I'd like to know that as well because right now I don't see a huge need for me to go buy a new one.
The one thing that would get me to buy a new one would be if they had a more robust feature set for playing local media. I'm using a WD HD TV right now and while it supports quite a few formats, I have more issues with it than I do with my Roku player. I was happy when they got Netflix support and considered upgrading for that reason but have only heard bad things about that. If Roku could make the simple Netflix+LocalMedia player, I'd upgrade in a hurry.
Posted by: Nick | July 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM
So will older Roku owners get the subtitles feature, or do you have to buy the new hardware?
I can play Angry Birds on my desktop machine, on my iPad or iPhone, so frankly having it on the Roku isn't all that compelling to me. But I'd bought my Roku with the idea that it would eventually support subtitles. Am I about to be screwed on that?
Posted by: James Heartney | July 20, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Until Roku can play from NAS it isn't in the same league as BoxeeBox. BoxeeBox it is for me!
Posted by: ScottZ | July 20, 2011 at 11:50 AM
I have the same question as James- Can I get netflix captions now through my Roku XS box that I bought 2 months ago?? I really dont want to pay for an upgrade to a Roku 2 just for this feature. Does anyone have any details about this?
Posted by: Daloweman | July 20, 2011 at 05:40 PM
The big question we are looking for in the new roku 2. One big question i looking is "WILL BE STILL HAVE OFF AND ON SEARCH FEATURE BECAUSE I GOT LITTLE SISTER I DONT HER TO SEE R RATED MOVIES OR SEARCH MOVIES. ( reply for answer)
we got getting a new upgrade youtube app i hope it will crackle, other free movies and rental. So roku will come with 4.0 firmwire end of july will old model get it.
Posted by: Noor Almtowaq | July 20, 2011 at 06:20 PM
I was planning on getting a Roku but now with NF's price increase, I'll be going with a 2-out DVD only plan. So... no use for one now!
Posted by: BoB | July 20, 2011 at 06:47 PM
3.0 update is really great
Posted by: Noor Almtowaq | July 22, 2011 at 03:39 PM
It's nice that the device supports 1080p, but which content providers are serving up true HD content or really planning to in the foreseeable future?
I suspect the data would have to be compressed so aggressively that the result would still be disappointing.
Also, I'm guessing the studios would charge content providers higher licensing fees for HD content--further driving up consumer costs.
Posted by: Tim | July 22, 2011 at 06:41 PM