Roku's wireless speakers aim to make TV audio more bearable
TV sound quality can vary wildly, but upgrading it can often cost a ton of money.
Roku aims to make better TV sound more accessible with its TV Wireless Speakers, a pair of easy-to-set-up stereo speakers that cost $199.99. The speakers themselves are small rectangles (sitting vertically like a Sonos One) and come in a pair, along with two remotes. However, the company did some neat work with the technology inside them.
The only cable you need is a power cord since connection from the speakers to the TV is via Roku Connect, a proprietary connection that eliminates the need for extra wiring -- but also means the TV Wireless Speakers only work with TVs that support Roku's tech. The setup seems pretty straightforward, but we have to wait to test these out in person.
The speakers themselves run the same software as Roku TVs. As any owner of Bluetooth headphones can say, syncing audio with video can be complicated, but Roku claims that, with Roku Connect, latency should not be an issue.
Nice bonus: When you're watching live TV, the speakers will automatically lower the volume during commercials and can raise it back up if it detects lower levels during the show.
With these speakers, Roku is not going after the high-end audio market but instead wants to provide a better sound experience for its TV customers. Plus, each speaker has Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming, which is a bonus.
A traditional remote and a Touch Tabletop Remote are included. This new Touch remote features voice control and physical buttons. It will let you ask for content, change the volume, and make the control experience more natural. Roku will likely add its entertainment voice assistant to the platform in time for launch. And no, the remote is not always listening.
These are Roku’s first audio-only products, and I wouldn’t be surprised if its offerings expand in the future. A soundbar seems like the most natural progression and would allow customers to get a surround sound experience.
Roku's TV Wireless Speakers will land in October for $199.99 as a bundle. Early-bird customers will get a better price; from today until July 23rd the speakers are $149.99, but that price goes up too $179.99 from July 24 through October 15.
