Highlights of Roku’s New Updates
- All current Roku users will receive free upgrades.
- New AI-enabled Roku Voice feature is coming.
- A new smart projector priced at $198 will be launched.
Roku has just unveiled a bunch of updates for Roku users alongside the introduction of a new budget-friendly projector. These updates include some exciting enhancements for the popular Roku City screensaver, improvements to Roku Voice, Live TV Channels, and revamped features in the Roku mobile app and headphone mode.
One of the most notable updates is the addition of AI features to Roku Voice. With this upgrade, users will be able to ask questions like “What’s scary about The Shining?” or “Which other films feature X actor?”—and get meaningful answers!
Also: Six tweaks I made to my Roku TV that dramatically boosted its performance
The new Roku Voice experience enables it to understand context, so users can ask follow-up questions without repeating information, all accessible through the Roku Voice remote or mobile app when it rolls out for Roku devices.
Roku is also introducing Bluetooth headphone pairing for the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku Streaming Stick Plus. Now, users will no longer need their phones to use the mobile app, as they can connect Bluetooth headphones directly to their streaming sticks.
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New interactive buttons are also coming for trailers on Roku, like a “Ways to Watch” button, allowing you to jump right to the movie after viewing the trailer.
The Live TV Channel has gotten a refreshed look too. A new search bar will make finding content easier, and Roku will suggest up to two streaming apps for each title according to your ongoing subscriptions.
Also: Choosing the right Roku streaming stick? I analyzed every model and here’s my recommendation
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the enhanced discovery features, like the ability to see live scores for every game without needing to select a specific event. There’s even a new Reminder button that sends you a notification before your chosen game starts.
More personalization options are in the works as well, enabling users to filter content based on particular sports or favorite genres.
The mobile app is receiving a facelift too, with shortcuts for popular features like closed captions and sleep timers. Users can now rate shows and movies and mark what they’ve already watched—something I really wish Netflix would add! The top navigation bar of the app is getting a new upgrade for easier category scrolling.
As part of their expansion, Roku introduced interaction with cities used in promotions, even adding new marquees promising exclusive musical experiences, like a performance by Demi Lovato.
Also: Your Roku TV has cool hidden menus—here’s how you can get to them
Following last month’s reveal of the first Roku TV projector, the company has now announced the launch of the new Vankyo smart projector, available at Walmart for $198. This portable projector sports 1080p HD resolution, auto keystone adjustments, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities, boasting impressive specs like 330 lumen brightness and a 1500:1 contrast ratio, plus two 5W speakers.
Recently, Roku has also expanded its compatibility with smart home devices such as Philips Ambilight, thereby further enhancing the streaming and gaming experience when combined with Philips Hue lights.
