Roku has announced the rumored Roku 4 streaming player, signaling the company's jump into 4K content. Not only does the device support 4K content playback, it does so at a fast frame rate, with improved UI features from the company's latest software update and integration with the revamped Roku mobile app.

The Roku 4 immediately stands out among the company's previous players because of its wider, flatter design. It's still a rounded-off square, but it's been stretched to fit some new internals, primarily a quad-core processor. This helps the Roku 4 respond even faster when you're flicking in between apps to find your favorite show, and it also sports faster 802.11ac WiFi that not only helps stream regular content but is crucial when streaming 4K video.

Roku isn't messing around with 4K quality, as the Roku 4 will be able to stream 4K content in up to 60fps. Thanks to more rapid refreshing, the picture you'll see will be super sharp and clear with vibrant colors that help images pop off the screen. Neither the new Apple TV nor the Amazon Fire TV can stream 4K content at 60fps.

However, the new TiVo Bolt should be able to support 60fps 4K streaming thanks to its HDCP 2.2 connectivity, which the Roku 4 also has.This establishes a more secure connection between the streaming device and your screen, while making it harder to record content from any one of its apps against the broadcaster's wishes. The Roku 4 is also smart enough to know when you need more streaming power with its auto-detect feature that recognizes the video quality of the content you're streaming and adjusts the playback quality to match it.

The Roku 4's new hardware is basically just a gateway to the company's new features surrounding 4K content. Roku says it is focused on making it easier for those who want 4K content to find it, so it has built a 4K row into the channel store for easy access to all the 4K video available on the device. The company also launched 4K Spotlight, a channel developed by Roku to curate some of the best 4K video currently available.

All that 4K tech is well and good, but Roku didn't forget about the simple things either. On the top of the set-top box is a small rectangular button that you press during that frustrating scenario we all loathe—losing the remote control. It sends a signal to the new Roku remote, which then emits the buzz or ring of your choosing so you can find it. While you can always control the Roku 4 from the company's mobile app, it's a useful touch for those who prefer using the accompanying remote.

While the Roku 4 will be an enticing choice for customers who want the option to stream 4K content, the company isn't forgetting about its existing devices. The Roku 3, 4, and the Streaming Stick will be able to upgrade to the company's newest software, Roku 7.0, which beefs up universal search and personalized feeds.

In addition to the entire on-screen UI getting a cleaner look, universal search will now display all results in ascending price order so you can pick the best option for you. You can also search for actors and directors as well as specific shows and movies and track them all using the improved Feed. Your feed will also alert you via on-screen and in-app notifications when one of the subjects you're following has new content available, so you never miss out.

For the sake of consistency, Roku has also overhauled the look of its mobile app for Android and iOS. Now it not only doubles as a second remote, but you can also use it to browse content, mark things to your feed to watch later, and add channels to your device. It's a much more minimalistic feel than the original app, and it uses cards you can swipe through to get to different channels, settings and preferences. Later in the year, Roku plans to untether the app from its devices, meaning you could be on your commute home from work and browse the app for new shows to watch when you get home.

The updated mobile app also gets a slice of the 4K action—via Play on Roku, you can project photos from your smartphone to your TV to show them off to friends and family. You'll also be able to make your own screensavers from these photos, which can add a pleasant personal touch to your TV when it's sitting idle.

Now that so much content is consumed via streaming, companies like Roku are starting to shift focus from streaming hardware to the experience of streaming. Similarly to Roku, Google focused on making browsing and finding content through Chromecast much easier by redesigning the Chromecast mobile app, allowing users to search for all Chromecast-compatible apps, and implementing Fast Play for even quicker streaming. Roku is doing similar things with its software updates, as well as making it easier to find as much 4K content as possible—which, until this point, has been fairly difficult. The new Roku 4 will be available later this month and costs $129.