The shortage of computer memory and storage components, fueled by the rapid expansion of artificial‑intelligence data centers, is now influencing the pricing of everyday consumer electronics.
Roku, a leading streaming‑device manufacturer, has increased the retail cost of every model in its lineup. The new prices are $29.99 for the Streaming Stick, $39.99 for the Stick Plus, $59.99 for the Stick Plus with Fox One, $79.99 for the Stick 4K, $149.99 for the Ultra, and $149.99 for the Streambar SE.
The Stick 4K, which previously sold for $49.99, now carries a 60 percent increase, while the other devices see price hikes ranging from 25 to 50 percent. These changes reflect the rising cost of the memory chips that power the devices.
Roku’s smart‑TV offerings have not yet been affected, as the cost of display panels dominates their production budgets. Historical price data suggest that the price of these TVs remains stable.
Although streaming devices rely on efficient Arm-based processors, the higher component costs translate into higher retail prices, potentially deterring consumers who prefer a low‑cost, privacy‑friendly streaming solution.
Roku executives attribute the price increases to shortages in computer memory and other components caused by the artificial‑intelligence rush.
