Roku announced new Express and Ultra streaming boxes

It's almost the holiday season, so expect to see plenty of product refreshes and enhancements from big tech companies over the next month or two. 

Streaming giant Roku stepped up to the plate on Thursday, announcing new versions of two of its set-top boxes as well as a slew of OS enhancements.

First up is the new Roku Express. The entry-level streaming box retains its $30 price tag, but gets a slight makeover. Its new form factor is 10 percent smaller and a little more conspicuous; Roku showed me one in person and it should definitely blend in with most entertainment centers.

Since it's the entry-level option, it only streams up to 1080p and doesn't have an ethernet port. That said, unlike some other streaming boxes with more horsepower, it can be fully powered by your TV via USB. There's no need to use up a precious power outlet for the new Roku Express, but it comes with a power adapter just in case. Read more...