Features, settings & updates

[StreamingNoobie]

Just noticed that Roku has been updating mostly all of their devices to OS 10. I find it weird that Roku 4, which is like the Ultra, was not updated with Apple Airplay and HomeKit while our Roku 3 and Roku stick 3600 got it.

Any ideas why?

[StreamerUser]

Except it is not like the Ultra or any other Roku - it has a unique SoC (processor) that no other model has and though it has 4K, it lacks the HDR that every other 4K model has.

https://support.roku.com/article/360057488733

This is also true for the Apple TV app - it also isnt supported on the Roku 4 for the same reason:

https://support.roku.com/article/360036652634

As for the actual reason, it could be related to the fact that the chipmaker is defunct and its intellectual property (IP) is in limbo/contested; or it could be that Apple doesnt want to support 4K without HDR; or it could be that something unique to how its processor handles 4K/data processing isnt something Apple wanted to provide special coding for, etc.

[CraigList90]

Thanks for your response and for sharing the links.

The only thing that makes sense is that Roku 4's chipmaker being defunct and its intellectual property (IP) being in limbo/contested.

I am hoping that they can provide a specific answer as to why Roku 4 has been excluded from their list   (or if they already did, where can I find that information). IMHO, Roku 4 has better specs than Roku 2, 3 and their older streaming sticks which are capable of 1080p resolution only.

[StreamerUser]

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@CraigList90 wrote:

Thanks for your response and for sharing the links.

The only thing that makes sense is that Roku 4's chipmaker being defunct and its intellectual property (IP) being in limbo/contested.

I am hoping that they can provide a specific answer as to why Roku 4 has been excluded from their list   (or if they already did, where can I find that information). IMHO, Roku 4 has better specs than Roku 2, 3 and their older streaming sticks which are capable of 1080p resolution only.

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Apple never has, and Roku also hasn't attempted any explanation (they of course deflect/defer to Apple as the app developer/publisher), but at least Apple's lack of support for the Roku 4 is consistent.

Considering the ATV app was released in late 2019, I dont think Apple is ever going to support the Roku 4 or provide any explanation as to why not, at least officially/publicly.

Its probably best to look towards upgrading/replacing the Roku 4 (that's my recommendation, and what I would do).

[CraigList90]

It's not a huge deal breaker as we have Roku Ultra and Streaming Stick+, which are capable of 4K HDR, as well.

I was just hoping that they more upfront about the reason for excluding Roku 4 which is one of my fave Roku models.   Thanks again.