The $50 Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a faster, more feature-packed streaming stick

Roku’s most powerful streaming stick for the past four years has been… a model released four years ago. But now the company has launched an upgraded model with a faster processor, faster wireless, and support for additional video capabilities. The new Roku Streaming Stick 4K is up for pre-order for $50. There’s also a Roku Streaming […]

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Roku’s most powerful streaming stick for the past four years has been… a model released four years ago. But now the company has launched an upgraded model with a faster processor, faster wireless, and support for additional video capabilities.

The new Roku Streaming Stick 4K is up for pre-order for $50. There’s also a Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ model priced at $70. It’s basically the same device, but it comes bundled with a Roku Voice Remote Pro. Both devices should begin shipping in mid-October.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K has a quad-core processor that the company says results in a device that boots 30% faster than the older Streaming Stick+.

Roku has also updated the long-range wireless receiver, which was already pretty good in the Stick+. The company says the new model supports up to twice the WiFi speed.

Unlike the Stick+, the new models also support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content.

The key difference between the Stick 4K and the Stick 4K+ is the fact that the latter comes with a more feature-packed remote. For example, it has a rechargeable battery and a headphone jack for “private listening,” allowing you to plug in and watch TV without anyone else nearby hearing the sound.

The Voice Remote Pro also supports hands-free voice commands (including the ability to locate a remote that might be hidden in the couch cushions with a hands-free “Hey Roku, find my remote” request that will make a chime play on the remote).

Roku’s cheaper Streaming Stick 4K comes with a simpler voice remote. You have to press a button to use voice actions. And if you want private listening, you’ll need to use Roku’s mobile app on your phone. Both remotes support TV controls though.

Roku is also rolling out Roku OS 10.5 for new and existing devices, bringing a live TV channel guide with more than two free and ad-supported live channels, support for using Roku’s voice search with more apps including Netflix and Spotify, and support for using voice commands to search for and play music, podcasts, and video podcasts from supported apps including Spotify.

The OS update also lets users build a 3.1 channel or 5.1 channel surround sound system by using a combination of Roku hardware the company’s sound bar and wireless speaker systems.

The company is also updating the Roku Ultra LT with a new model featuring a faster processor, additional storage, and 50% longer WiFi range than the previous-generation. The new model also picks up support for Dolby Vision, Bluetooth audio streaming, and an Ethernet port.

It will be available exclusively from Walmart soon with a list price of $79.

via Roku Blog

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Leaked Surface Pro 8 specs include Thunderbolt ports and a 120Hz screen

Microsoft’s next Surface devices will be officially unveiled on September 22.

Alleged Surface Pro 8 leak shows a device with a larger screen, Thunderbolt ports, and a 120Hz screen.

Alleged Surface Pro 8 leak shows a device with a larger screen, Thunderbolt ports, and a 120Hz screen. (credit: Twitter/Shadow_Leak)

Just days ahead of Microsoft's next Surface hardware event, Twitter user @Shadlow_Leak has posted what appears to be a leaked retail listing showing some key specs of a new Surface Pro device (via The Verge). According to the listing, the new convertible tablet appears to ditch USB-C and USB-A ports in favor of a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports, and it also adds 11th-gen Intel Core processors, a 13" screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a user-replaceable SSD like the ones in some other current Surface devices.

The renders show a Surface with a design similar to the current Surface Pro 7, just with a notably larger screen and smaller bezels than the current Surface Pro 7. Take this with a larger grain of salt—the "screens" in these press renders are often superimposed on the devices after the fact, and they've been known to get the screen size wrong. Still, a larger screen with smaller bezels lines up with other Surface Pro 8 rumors that have been circulating, as well as general design trends in the PC industry.

A larger screen for the Surface Pro 8 would make this the biggest overhaul of the hardware since 2014's Surface Pro 3. Microsoft has been intentionally conservative about updating the device's design over the years in order to maintain compatibility with existing chargers, keyboard covers, and accessories. 2019's Surface Pro X introduced a refined design, but that tablet is only available with ARM processors rather than x86 chips from Intel or AMD, limiting compatibility and performance for many existing Windows apps.

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Vulkanausbruch auf Urlaubsinsel La Palma

Die Regionalregierung der Kanarischen Inseln spricht von einem “historischen” Ereignis, tausende Menschen, darunter viele Touristen, mussten evakuiert werden

Die Regionalregierung der Kanarischen Inseln spricht von einem "historischen" Ereignis, tausende Menschen, darunter viele Touristen, mussten evakuiert werden

Amazon’s next Kindle Paperwhite leaks (bigger display with adjustable color temperature)

Amazon is preparing to update its Kindle Paperwhite eReader with two new models. Compared with the 4th-gen model, first released in 2019, the new Kindle Paperwhite will have a bigger display and an improved front light system. There’s also a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition model with a few extra features. While Amazon hasn’t officially announced […]

The post Amazon’s next Kindle Paperwhite leaks (bigger display with adjustable color temperature) appeared first on Liliputing.

Amazon is preparing to update its Kindle Paperwhite eReader with two new models. Compared with the 4th-gen model, first released in 2019, the new Kindle Paperwhite will have a bigger display and an improved front light system. There’s also a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition model with a few extra features.

While Amazon hasn’t officially announced its 5th-gen Kindle Paperwhite devices yet, but details showed up briefly on the company’s Canadian and Mexican websites, where they were quickly spotted by a number of folks.

Amazon.ca (via Good eReader)

The new Paperwhite devices are expected to have a 6.8 inch E Ink display with 300 pixels per inch. That’s the same pixel density as the previous-gen model, but a larger screen (up from 6 inches). Thumbnail images suggest the 5th-gen Paperwhite might not be much larger than the 4th-gen though, thanks to slimmer top and side bezels.

Left: Kindle Paperwhite (2021) / Right: Kindle Paperwhite (2019)

Amazon is also upgrading the number of LED lights used to illuminate the display from 5 to 17. And the company is adding support for adjustable color temperature, allowing you to reduce the amount of blue light emitted at night time.

That last bit is the feature I’ve been waiting for. While rivals including Kobo, Onyx BOOX, and others have offered adjustable color temperature in mid-range eReaders for years, up until now Amazon has only offered it with the $250 Kindle Oasis.

The basic 5th-edition Kindle Paperwhite will have an edge-to-edge display with a “flush-front design,” and an IP8 water resistance rating, just like the previous-generation. And it will be available with at least 8GB of storage.

Amazon’s new Paperwhite Signature Edition starts with 32GB of storage and has two extra features: support for wireless charging and an ambient light sensor that can automatically adjust screen brightness depending on your environment.

Here’s a comparison of the new models with the current-gen Kindle Paperwhite, with pricing details as they were briefly listed on the Amazon Canada website.

Kindle Paperwhite (2021) Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Kindle Paperwhite (2019)
Price $149 (CAD) $210 (CAD) $140 CAD ($130 US)
Display 6.8 inch, 300 ppi 6.8 inch, 300 ppi 6 inch, 300 ppi
Storage 8GB 32GB 8GB or 32GB
Front light 17 LEDs 17 LEDs 5 LEDs
Flush-front
IPX8 waterproof
Adjustable warm light
Auto light sensor
Page turn buttons
Bluetooth/audible
WiFi
Color Black Black Black, blue, sage, or plum

via /r/Kindle, Good eReader, and The eBook Reader

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Wie Amazon: Aldi testet Supermarkt ohne Kassen

Aldi auf den Spuren von Amazon Go: In London testet der Discounter einen Supermarkt, in dem Kunden die Waren einfach in die Tasche stecken können. (Wirtschaft, Amazon)

Aldi auf den Spuren von Amazon Go: In London testet der Discounter einen Supermarkt, in dem Kunden die Waren einfach in die Tasche stecken können. (Wirtschaft, Amazon)

After Inspiration4, SpaceX sees high demand for free-flyer missions

“We have interest for both Dragons and Starships, which is pretty exciting.”

Dr. Sian Proctor seems to have enjoyed three days in orbit.

Enlarge / Dr. Sian Proctor seems to have enjoyed three days in orbit. (credit: SpaceX)

Four amateur astronauts returned from a three-day private spaceflight this weekend overflowing with enthusiasm about the experience. "Best ride of my life," said Dr. Sian Proctor, shortly after emerging from the Crew Dragon capsule.

Future customers for such a free-flying orbital experience, however, weren't waiting for the initial reviews to express their interest in going to space. Even before the Crew Dragon spacecraft splashed down on Saturday night the Inspiration4 mission had already ignited a firestorm of interest.

"The amount of people who are approaching us through our sales and marketing portals has actually increased significantly," said Benji Reed, Senior Director of Human Spaceflight Programs for SpaceX, during a call with reporters after the space tourism mission landed. "There's tons of interest rolling in now."

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Forschung: Weiße Farbe für den Klimaschutz

Ein Forschungsteam der US-Universität Purdue will die weißeste Farbe der Welt entwickelt haben und bewirbt sie als ein Mittel gegen die Klimakrise. (Klimakrise, Internet)

Ein Forschungsteam der US-Universität Purdue will die weißeste Farbe der Welt entwickelt haben und bewirbt sie als ein Mittel gegen die Klimakrise. (Klimakrise, Internet)