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Early this morning, Roku, manufacturer of set-top streaming players, the Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku televisions, announced a slew of new features and cross-device software updates to make your streaming experience speedier and more comprehensive. Roku users, get ready to make the most of your device!
The streaming player that connects them with over 2,000 “channels” (including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, and Sling TV, to name a popular few) and over 250,000 movies and television episodes is now featuring a “Roku Feed” that will allow consumers to “follow” their entertainment selections. For example, say you weren’t able to catch Insurgent during its theatrical run, you’ll be able to follow the latest blockbuster on Roku where you’ll be notified when the film is available on VOD platforms. That way, you won’t have to do all the searching yourself. Plus, after the film is made available to stream, the Roku Feed lets you know where to rent or purchase the movie you’re waiting for. You’ll be able to access the Roku Feed under the new “Movies Coming Soon” option located in “My Feed.”
In addition to the new Roku Search, which allows you to search for any channel, movie, show, actor, or director, Roku is also unveiling voice activation search with the same capability via their mobile app and Roku 3 model — the company’s highest-grade device. The upgraded Roku 3 will include a specialized remote with voice search capability at the push of a button. The new remote also comes with headphones and a jack so you can silently watch TV and not bother your spouse, significant other, roommate, or sleeping child — which is awesome news. This headphone feature is only available via the Roku 3, currently going for $99.99. Voice search capability is also available on the upgraded Roku App (available for iOS and Android), which is free to download.
But what if you don’t want to run out and drop $99 on brand new Roku 3? What about your Roku 2? Don’t have streaming FOMO just yet, as Roku will be updating its software so that your second generation device will be on par with the speed and efficiency of their Roku 3. You may not be able to have the headphone jack or the voice search, but the load time and streaming player will be the same of that of the Roku 3, which is pretty darn fast. The Roku 2 is available for $69.99.
And good news for all you first generation and Streaming Stick users: Roku will be rolling out a software update (that’s said to be completed by the end of April) that will add the new features: Roku Search, Movies Coming Soon, and My Feed.
For more info about your Roku device, reviews, and select offers, check out Roku.com.
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Photos: Roku
