‘Critical' warning for millions of Brits over list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that leave you with broken TV
A "CRITICAL" warning has been given to millions of Brits over a list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that can leave you with a broken TV.
Streaming sticks provide access to the biggest apps around, as well as some hidden gems packed with free TV and channels to watch instantly.
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A "critical' warning has been given for millions of Brits over a list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that can leave you with a broken TV
Credit: amazon
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Roku users with older streaming players need to face a critical decision about upgrading their stick.
Credit: Getty
Many legacy Roku devices have reached the end of their lifecycle and users need to face a critical decision about upgrading.
Because Roku and its channel partners, including Netflix, have ceased providing software updates and support for these
models
.
This means that a growing number of apps are either malfunctioning or completely incompatible.
This leaves users with outdated devices unable to access the full streaming experience they once enjoyed.
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With streaming technology evolving rapidly, these older players lack the processing
power
and software capabilities to keep up with modern app requirements.
Roku has therefore recommended upgrading to newer
models
for a seamless experience reports
The decision to end support for older devices stems from the increasing complexity of streaming apps.
Which requires more robust hardware to deliver high-definition video, enhanced user interfaces, and new
features
like 4K resolution and HDR.
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Without updates, the devices are stuck on old versions of the Roku OS, causing apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube to buffer endlessly, display errors, or
fail
to load entirely.
For instance, Netflix, ESPN+ and more will
fail
to load, citing compatibility issues with its updated app.
Owners of dodgy Fire Sticks for illegal streaming warned of unexpected danger that's already affected 2.7million people
Other services have followed suit, and the list of unsupported apps continues to grow, leaving these devices increasingly obsolete.
The following Roku
models
are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc:
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The Roku HD (pre-2011), Roku HD-XR (pre-2011), Roku SD (pre-2011), Roku XD (pre-2011) and the Roku XDS (pre-2011).
The Roku LT (Model: 2700X), Roku 1, Roku 2, and the Roku 2 HD/XD/XS (2011) and the Roku Streaming Stick (Model: 3500X).
Roku Models No Longer Supported
The following Roku models are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc.
Roku HD (pre-2011)
Roku HD-XR (pre-2011)
Roku SD (pre-2011)
Roku XD (pre-2011)
Roku XDS (pre-2011)
Roku LT (Model: 2700X)
Roku 1
Roku 2
Roku 2 HD (2011)
Roku 2 XD (2011)
Roku 2 XS (2011)
Roku Streaming Stick (Model: 3500X)
Roku has encouraged affected users to upgrade and now is a great time with many Roku players are on sale.
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For those who want the best picture quality,
The streaming gadget giant also claims that its sticks are among the most compact around, coming in at 35 per cent smaller than rivals "without compromising performance or speed".
These devices also offer
features
like universal search and enhanced remotes, which are absent on legacy models.
While older devices may still function for some apps, the risk of further service disruptions makes upgrading a necessity for those that want to enjoy their streaming.
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Older devices may still function for some apps but the risk of further service disruptions makes upgrading a necessity
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