
Time to ditch your Fire TV Stick? 'Powerful' new rival is coming to the UK soon
A new way to stream TV is coming to the UK soon that will take aim at Amazon's FIre TV Stick
If your current Fire TV Stick is on its last legs, you might want to wait before considering an upgrade. It's just been confirmed that one of Amazon's arch-rivals is finally unleashing some new streaming devices, which will offer better features than before at a very low price.
The update is coming from the team at Roku with a duo of telly-streaming gadgets arriving in the UK this June. The upgrades include an new entry-level product - simply called the Roku Streaming Stick - along with a more premium Roku Streaming Stick Plus device.
Prices will start from just £29.99 for the basic model but that low cost doesn't mean owners won't get decent features.
The standard Roku Streaming Stick includes improved Wi-Fi connectivity along with the usual access to all the most popular streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Roku is also keen to point out that it is adding a voice-enabled remote control for the first time on it base-level streamer.
That means for under £30 you get a gadget that pump up the volume, find things to watch and switch off the power just by chatting into the remote control.
The only thing is doesn't offer is 4K visuals. For more pin-sharp viewing you'll need the Roku Streaming Stick Plus which will be priced at £39.99.
Both devices will also get a new slimline design and a neat remote with volume controls plus quick launch buttons for instant access to apps such as Netflix and Disney+.
Another bonus is that they get all the power they need from the TV's HDMI port, which means they don't have to be plugged into the mains.
'We are proud to unveil a new chapter in the Roku streaming journey with an updated look, feel, and performance for our streaming players,' said Richard Halton, Country Manager at Roku UK.
'With over 15 years of innovation, our commitment has always been to make consumers' lives easier by simplifying the TV viewing experience. Our two new powerful streaming players are packed with great features and will be available from June - ideal for keeping entertained during the summer holidays.'
As a quick reminder, Amazon's Fire TV Stick range - which includes an HD model, Fire TV Stick 4K and ultimate 4K Max device - start from £39.99 which means Roku's entry-level offering will be cheaper.
If you need a new streaming device, watch this space.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Amazon is selling a ‘professional' cordless car buffer for 40% off, and shoppers say it's ‘very easy to use'
Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. If you want to make your car look squeaky clean this summer but don't feel like going to the carwash every day, there's an easy solution: a personal buffer. And you can score one at Amazon right now for a cool $40 off. The Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer is on sale for $60, which is 40% off the original $100 price tag. This polisher earned four out of five stars from Amazon reviewers, and shoppers say it can do everything from de-fogging headlamps to wiping every inch of dirt off your windshield. Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer, $60 (was $100) at Amazon Not every garage has an outlet, and sometimes you just want to work on your car outside. That's not a problem with this buffer, as it's cordless and comes with a 12-volt, large capacity battery. With this energy source, this device can deliver up to a whopping 5,000 oscillations per minute, providing you with the power you need for the perfect car wax. It also has other handy features including a built-in battery indicator (green light when it's full, yellow when partially drained, red when it needs a charge) and an anti-interference motor that doesn't produce a lot of noise. Best of all, this Blackcube creation weighs a mere 2.2 pounds with a soft, non-slip handle, meaning it's a breeze to carry and operate for an extended period of time. 'Very good,' one shopper began. 'This polisher works like a professional. I serviced five cars with it and [my customers] were very impressed, very easy to use!' 'Great for plexiglass,' another reviewer said. The Blackcube Cordless Car Buffer has six variable speed modes, comes with a battery, charger and extra polishing pads, and is 40% off. Getting all of that at a discounted price is a rarity, so don't let this generous Amazon offer escape your grasp. About the Author Daniel Donabedian View Profile


Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I went on my first Disney cruise with classy champagne bars, watercoasters and West End-style shows
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 'IT'S Cinderella!' a young girl exclaims, rushing past. Nostalgia floods over me when I turn around to find the fairytale princess floating towards us in her dazzling blue ballgown complete with shimmering tiara. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 I may be in my late twenties but I can't help feeling giddy with excitement over meeting one of my childhood icons Credit: Alice Penwill 5 Aladdin is one of the West End-style productions in the onboard theatre on the ship Credit: Steven Diaz Photo LLC I may be in my late twenties but I can't help feeling giddy with excitement over meeting one of my childhood icons. And this magic happens everyday on a Disney Cruise. I was on board the Disney Fantasy sailing across the Med as the ship embarked on its first ever season in Europe. It's easy to see why they named her Fantasy. As I explored the 14-deck vessel, I still had to pinch myself as I regularly came face-to-face with other childhood heroines I'd grown up watching, such as Jasmine and Mulan. Many kids relished the opportunity to don their favourite princess costumes every day. However, I wasn't expecting the cruise to be such a big hit with the adults, too. In fact, there are so many adult-only areas around the ship where parents, couples or solo travellers can kick back and relax, away from the excited giggles. The spa is a haven away from the action with heated loungers and rainforest showers as well as a Jacuzzi that looked out over the endless ocean. For a sophisticated evening, classy champagne bar Ooh La La serves elegant tipples like the Elderbubble, a champagne and elderflower concoction topped with a raspberry. An All-New Adventure Is On The Horizon Or there's the Irish-inspired, O'Gills, and lively club-bar, while The Tube serves drinks late into the night. Aside from the watering holes, there are two adult-exclusive restaurants too — Remy, which dishes up fancy French plates in a glam setting, and Italian-style Palo which serves traditional dishes but with a modern twist. For a properly-personalised experience, though, check out the three main restaurants: Royal Court, Animator's Palate and Enchanted Garden, which serve three-course dinners as part of the 'rotational dining'. This gives guests the same waiting staff every night who will get to know likes and dislikes and suggest dishes accordingly. I had the lovely Sheree from the Philippines who made sure everyone was thoroughly fed, and Adroy from India who gave our table puzzles every night to keep us entertained. When it comes to on board activities, the list is as long as Rapunzel's hair, with everything from Disney trivia quizzes to crafts, silent discos, and character meet-and-greets. It would take weeks do them all. Luckily, on day one I'd met a passenger who was on her fourth Disney cruise and was happy to share all of her tops tips. It's from her that I learned about the onboard tradition of 'pixie dusting'. 5 The stunning adults-only Cove pool is one of the areas where parents can get some respite 5 The impressive 14-deck Disney Fantasy cruise liner lives up to it's name Experienced guests spread the Disney love by leaving little goodie bags filled with either soft toys, door magnets or smaller knick-knacks on fish extenders attached to neighbouring cabin doors. They don't expect anything in return. It's simply a gesture of goodwill. The magic continued up on the top deck where many of my days were spent flopped on a sunbed, soaking up rays and tucking into ice cream, all while watching Disney favourites on the outdoor screen where films are played on rotation from morning til night. To cool off, there are three small pools, one of which is adults-only, and the famous AquaDuck — a 765-foot long water coaster, which features on several ships in the fleet. Or you can head inside to watch one of the West End-style productions in the onboard theatre. I saw amazing shows like Aladdin and Frozen as well as Disney's Believe, a musical exclusive to Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream which didn't leave a dry eye in the room. If that's not enough Disney for you, guests can get stuck into themed evenings, including a formal night where fans waltzed around in glittering ballgowns, as well as pirate night. Although, to my relief, you won't be judged if dress-up isn't your thing. I was having so much fun on board, I'd almost forgotten that we would soon be docking in a new destination. My trip started in Barcelona and we'd had an action-packed day at sea before arriving at the first stop, Civitavecchia, a quiet costal town an hour away from Italy's bustling Rome. 5 A stop off in Italy allowed Alice to see the famous landmark of the Leaning Tower of Pisa Credit: Alice Penwill Then it was on to the port of Livorno where I joined an excursion into Pisa. Soon, I was standing outside of the famous Leaning Tower, snapping away with my hands held up, replicating the famous leaning pose. Despite being the most recognisable view, the tower still didn't compare to the one at the next stop, Genoa. From D'Albertis Castle, a fortress carved into the hillside, I was able to look out over pastel-toned buildings, backed by rugged mountains, with the sea in the distance. Those who have the energy can climb their way to the top on foot but I chose to take the funicular. Our final stop was Toulon in France's Provence region, a haven for wine lovers and the perfect place to toast our Disney adventure. If Disneyland is the happiest place in the world, then the Disney Fantasy must be the happiest place on the Mediterranean Sea. GO: DISNEY FANTASY SAILING THERE: From late July to September, the Disney Fantasy will sail from Southampton on three to eight-night sailings around Europe. In summer 2026, the Disney Dream returns to Europe for Mediterranean cruises. A three-night cruise on board Disney Fantasy costs from £243pp per night based on two adults and two kids sharing a cabin in August. For more information, see Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.


Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jamie Borthwick's EastEnders job 'at serious risk' over Strictly disabled slur
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick recently apologised for using a disabled slur. It has been reported his job at the soap is at risk over the scandal EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick's job at the long-running soap is reportedly at risk after he used a derogatory term about disabled people. The 30-year-old actor, who has appeared on EastEnders since 2006, in which he plays Jay Brown, reportedly used offensive language in a video that was allegedly shared with friends. It was reported that the star was recorded using a derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool, where BBC show Strictly Come Dancing filmed a glitzy live episode from the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The word he used is a derogatory term regarded as a disabled slur. The star sparked condemnation from the disability charity Scope and a local politician in Blackpool. It is reported that footage was made of Jamie using the word, which was then sent to one of his friends. He has since issued a grovelling apology for using the offensive slur. READ MORE: Disney+ drops to £1.99 in rare deal Netflix and Amazon can't beat And now, it's been said his apology might not be enough to end the scandal. An insider claimed how his character hasn't been part of a 'central role in the show for a while'. 'And with a new boss in Ben Wadey who only recently took the helm and with the scandal taking place so soon into his tenure feeling is that Jamie's place on the show could be at serious risk," the source claimed to The Sun. He recently issued a grovelling apology which had been shared by The Sun on Sunday, stating: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong." He went on to issue an apology to the people of Blackpool and reiterate his regret over his words. After the publication claimed that he was suspended from EastEnders, a BBC spokesperson told The Mirror: "This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. "We have robust processes in place for this.' Last year, Jamie appeared on Strictly where he was paired with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas. They featured alongside Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, who sparked scandal over his actions on the show.