I think I will go and get a Roku Express today (if available) to replace my Roku 3 that can’t update its firmware. I replaced my other Roku 3 with the Streaming Stick (the one that was newer till today’s new stick), and it has performed terrifically.
A $30 Roku is a great price for those TVs that are just HD.
Unfortunately for me, the Roku doesn’t provide either CraveTV or Amazon Video apps in Canada and they show no sign of doing so. Plus, I don’t get wifi in my bedroom (which is where I would like to update my ancient Roku XS).
I’m holding off deciding until Wednesday. Our Roku 3 is starting to shows signs of age and honestly I prefer the UI and experience of the Android TV app (with the exception of it NOT having the additional filters (i.e. Recent, Upcoming) that I regularly use on the Roku) so I’m going to wait and see if Google happens to announce a new Android TV box.
I did get the Roku Express yesterday. It is quite small, and it comes with it’s own Command-type strip to attach on or around your tv. It also comes with a short (1.5 foot) HDMI cable, USB power cord with plug (so you can either plug into the wall or plug into a USB port on your tv), and IR remote.
Since I was replacing an old Roku3, I just used the HDMI cable from it and plugged it into my surround sound system. It does not have Ethernet, and wireless is just b/g/n, but the wireless still worked well (the room is upstairs from my router).
The Express didn’t have any problems with performance. I watched a little Tablo with no issues and about an hour of Netflix on it. For $30, this is a nice streaming box for HD sets (the $40 Express Plus had composite outputs as well as HDMI for older Tvs).