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Your Roku streaming device is about to get a new and improved assistant — among several other noteworthy features.
Roku has announced a flurry of new features coming soon to its lineup of Smart TVs and streaming dongles via a free software update. Unfortunately, there's no timeline on exactly when you'll get your hands on these new tricks, with the US firm only stating that everything will arrive in "the coming months".
In a blog post about its annual autumn software update, it promises: "the latest software updates coming to Roku will keep you connected to your favourite entertainment — and make it easier to discover what’s next."
And the new additions will impact everything from the remote, mobile app on iPhone and Android, and sports viewing. If you've never used Roku before, the US company offers an extensive lineup of streaming devices and smart TVs that make accessing entertainment simple and affordable. With thousands of channels and a user-friendly interface, it delivers access to movies, shows, live TV, and music.
If you already own a Roku, here's a rundown of everything being worked on by the developers inside the US company to boost your streaming experience before the end of the year.
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Roku unveils an AI-powered voice assistant
The company's latest software update introduces an AI-powered transformation of its voice assistant, Roku Voice, enabling you to have actual conversations about entertainment rather than simply issuing commands.
This AI enhancement turns your voice remote into an intelligent entertainment adviser. You'll be able to ask questions like "What's Barbie about?" or "How scary is The Shining?" and receive answers displayed directly on your television screen. The system even remembers past questions you've had, allowing you to ask follow-up questions without starting over.
Plus, you won't need to reach for your smartphone to research films or programmes — you'll see responses appear on-screen with options to immediately launch relevant content.
Roku introduces an AI-powered transformation of its voice assistant, Roku Voice, enabling you to have actual conversations about entertainment rather than simply issuing commands
|ROKU PRESS OFFICE
Sports games get an upgrade
Sports enthusiasts will find their viewing experience transformed with real-time score updates appearing directly on game tiles. For instance, as you browse through sporting events, you'll see live results refreshing automatically, allowing you to monitor multiple matches simultaneously without switching channels.
If you missed the live game and want to watch without knowing the results beforehand, you can disable the score display feature to avoid spoilers.
For future games, the system also introduces match reminders that you can set while browsing. Once you've marked a game for a reminder, your mobile will send you a notification when it's time to watch.
For sports enthusiasts, Rokue introduces match reminders that you can set while browsing
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The Roku app and TV display undergo a refresh
Your mobile app is also seeing substantial improvements with new quick-access features rolling out in the coming weeks.
For starters, you'll find shortcuts for frequently used functions, including closed captions, remote finder and sleep timer. This way, you won't have to manually navigate through the app each time.
The app now includes rating buttons that let you mark content as liked, disliked or watched while browsing on your phone. These preferences automatically synchronise with your television, too, creating consistent recommendations across all your devices.
On the TV, there's a new bar on the For You page that organises content into distinct categories such as television programmes, films and sports. You can also personalise your experience by selecting favourite programmes and teams, which automatically populate your saved list for convenient access later.
In terms of browsing, there are now new interactive elements within video previews. For example, when watching trailers, you'll notice a new "Ways to Watch" button that instantly reveals streaming options without requiring additional searches.
The search function, previously limited to certain areas, now extends into the Live TV Zone with plans to expand further into the channel guide. This means you'll be able to locate specific channels, explore genres or jump directly to programmes regardless of whether they're broadcasting live or available on-demand.
The updated Roku app now includes rating buttons that let you mark content as liked, disliked or watched while browsing on your phone
|ROKU PRESS OFFICE
Connect your headphones for quiet listening
If you're looking to keep the noise level down in your home, you'll soon be able to connect Bluetooth-enabled headphones or earbuds. These connect right to your Roku remote, so you won't have to worry about needing additional cables or setup time.
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