Roku surprises with a new “special edition” streaming media player at an all-time low price

Just when we thought the Roku line-up was set for Black Friday, the streaming media giant has unveiled a new “special edition” model. While the most recent addition added 4K streaming capabilities, this fresh release is focused on one standout feature: price. How cheap? Move over Fire TV, Chromecast and even Roku’s own streaming stick, this thing has you all beat.

The new Roku SE Streaming Media Player is set to launch today with a price tag of $49.99 but will drop to a limited time Black Friday price of $24.99 starting on November 26th. Pretty bonkers, right? We first caught wind of the Roku SE when it started popping up on early Black Friday ad leaks, but it left us scratching our heads as it had yet to be released. Now we know.

This addition brings the Roku line-up to six devices, including the recently released Roku 4. The SE features 1080p streaming, Roku’s newest OS 7, and access to some 3,000 streaming media sources.

“The popularity of streaming to the TV continues to grow, and streaming players are sure to be at the top of many holiday wish lists,” said Roku Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Anderson. “The Roku SE player sets a new precedent in streaming player value this Black Friday. From 4K UHD streaming with the new Roku 4, to the simple and portable Roku Streaming Stick, to the affordable Roku SE; there’s a Roku player for everyone.”

It fits in nicely at the bottom of Roku’s offerings, skipping out on some high-end features like 4K, voice search and a built-in headphone jack. Interestingly enough, Roku is opting to bring back analog connectivity to this model, which has been lacking for multiple generations. There is no ethernet port, just Wi-Fi and the remote has been slimmed down to its simplest form.

Expect to see the Roku SE begin to pop-up at online retailers within the coming days (already listed at Best Buy), with the official price drop hitting on Thanksgiving weekend.

More New Toys of the Day:

[9to5-press-release]

Roku Unveils Black Friday Sneak Peek for Streamers; Introduces Special Edition Roku SE Streaming Player – Most Affordable Roku Player Yet

SARATOGA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Roku Inc. today unveiled an early look at some of its Black Friday specials helping streamers get a head start on their shopping lists. The company introduced the Roku® SE streaming player, a special edition player that will be available in limited supply for the Black Friday weekend online and at select national retailers. With the suggested retail price of $49.99, slashed to a deep Black Friday discount of just $25, the Roku SE is the most affordable Roku player ever. In addition, promotions on other popular Roku streaming models may be offered during the Black Friday weekend.

The new Roku SE streaming player:

  • Runs Roku OS 7, the company’s newest built-for-TV operating system
  • Offers 1080p video streaming and a simple user interface
  • Provides access to nearly 3,000 streaming channels including 300,000 movies and TV episodes
  • Search for movies, TV shows, actors and directors across 20+ top streaming channels and easily see available streaming options by price and availability; plus follow and receive notifications for box office movies and other entertainment when available for streaming
  • Compatible with HDMI and analog TVs
  • Roku Mobile App for iOS or Android offers mobile access to key features such as Roku Search, Roku Feed, Remote Control, Play on Roku and more
  • Cast content from a mobile device to the TV via specific streaming channels or the Roku Mobile App
  • Use on the go with Hotel and Dorm Connect for quick wireless connectivity in locations that require log-in credentials to access the Wi-Fi network

“The popularity of streaming to the TV continues to grow, and streaming players are sure to be at the top of many holiday wish lists,” said Roku Chief Marketing Officer Matthew Anderson. “The Roku SE player sets a new precedent in streaming player value this Black Friday. From 4K UHD streaming with the new Roku 4, to the simple and portable Roku Streaming Stick, to the affordable Roku SE; there’s a Roku player for everyone.”

Consumers will also find the entire line-up of Roku players online and at major national retailers this holiday season, including:

  • Roku 4 – The best Roku player ever; supports 4K Ultra HD up to 60 fps streaming; features voice search, headphone jack and remote finder
  • Roku 3 – Lightning fast and loaded; features remote with voice search and headphone jack
  • Roku 2 – High performance at a great value
  • Roku 1 – Great value; works with newer HDMI and older composite cable TVs
  • Roku Streaming Stick – Ideal for wall-mounted TVs; portable and powerful for streaming anywhere, anytime

About Roku, Inc.

Roku is the creator of a popular streaming platform for delivering entertainment to the TV. Roku streaming players and the Roku Streaming Stick® are made by Roku and sold through major retailers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, Mexico and France. Roku licenses a reference design and operating system to TV manufacturers to create co-branded Roku TV models. Under the Roku Powered™ program, Roku licenses its streaming platform to Pay TV providers around the world who want to use the Internet to deliver entertainment services through streaming players. Roku was founded by Anthony Wood, inventor of the DVR. Roku is privately held and headquartered in Saratoga, Calif., U.S.

Roku and Streaming Stick are registered trademarks and Roku TV and Roku Powered are trademarks of Roku, Inc. in the U.S. and in other countries.

[/9to5-press-release]

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