The Roku 3's excellent new interface and faster processor makes it feel quicker and more responsive than any other streaming box. The user interface is a lot more friendlier that the earlier version. The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack.
The biggest change with the Roku 3 is the new interface. The first thing you'll notice is that you can see nine channels at once -- compared with just five on the old interface -- and even more, once you navigate further into the menus. The new layout also reveals three more channels with every click, which lets you zip through all your channels in a fraction of the time it used to take.
The Roku’s Channel Store is now integrated into the main menu, instead of you having to go to an entirely separate interface, which with the previous models took forever to get too. There is a menu bar right to the left for selecting categories, which makes it a lot quicker to find a channel you are looking for.
There are other little design touches such as a small check mark indicating a channel is installed, and smooth, animated transitions between menus. Overall, the new look seems better in just about every way, and for the first time it's on par with the Apple TV's interface. The new interface is currently only exclusive to Roku, but for how long remains to be seen.
The design of the Roku 3 Streaming player is a little heavier and glossier than the previous models. It gives the perception of a higher build quality. It is about the same size of the diminutive Roku LT, but a more glossier look than the LT.
It all adds up to a much nicer Roku box, even though it has a plastic cabinet. The back panel is more compact than previous models. On the back there is an Ethernet port, HDMI output, microSD slot and power plug. There is also an USB port on the side which may be used for playing digital medial files.
The Roku 3 also comes with a remote. The remote is not convoluted and is easy to use and navigate with. The buttons are laid out appropriately. The only drawback is the OK button is not located in the center.
Lastly, the Roku 3 may be controlled by Roku’s smartphone app. Roku’s app allows the user to browse channels directly, rather than having to constantly look from your phone to the TV.
All in all, the Roku 3 is an impressive step up from the previous models and sure not to disappoint the purchaser.
The biggest change with the Roku 3 is the new interface. The first thing you'll notice is that you can see nine channels at once -- compared with just five on the old interface -- and even more, once you navigate further into the menus. The new layout also reveals three more channels with every click, which lets you zip through all your channels in a fraction of the time it used to take.
The Roku’s Channel Store is now integrated into the main menu, instead of you having to go to an entirely separate interface, which with the previous models took forever to get too. There is a menu bar right to the left for selecting categories, which makes it a lot quicker to find a channel you are looking for.
There are other little design touches such as a small check mark indicating a channel is installed, and smooth, animated transitions between menus. Overall, the new look seems better in just about every way, and for the first time it's on par with the Apple TV's interface. The new interface is currently only exclusive to Roku, but for how long remains to be seen.
The design of the Roku 3 Streaming player is a little heavier and glossier than the previous models. It gives the perception of a higher build quality. It is about the same size of the diminutive Roku LT, but a more glossier look than the LT.
It all adds up to a much nicer Roku box, even though it has a plastic cabinet. The back panel is more compact than previous models. On the back there is an Ethernet port, HDMI output, microSD slot and power plug. There is also an USB port on the side which may be used for playing digital medial files.
The Roku 3 also comes with a remote. The remote is not convoluted and is easy to use and navigate with. The buttons are laid out appropriately. The only drawback is the OK button is not located in the center.
Lastly, the Roku 3 may be controlled by Roku’s smartphone app. Roku’s app allows the user to browse channels directly, rather than having to constantly look from your phone to the TV.
All in all, the Roku 3 is an impressive step up from the previous models and sure not to disappoint the purchaser.
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