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ZDNET Highlights
- The new Roku upgrades will be free for all existing customers.
- The upgrade includes an AI-enabled Roku Voice feature.
- The company is launching a new $198 smart projector.
Streaming device maker Roku announced a list of updates for existing Roku users, along with a new affordable projector. The update includes enhancements to the Roku City screensaver, Roku Voice, Live TV channels, the Roku Mobile app, and headphone mode.
One of the biggest updates is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) features in its Roku Voice feature. The enhanced voice experience will enable Roku Voice to answer questions about shows, movies, characters or actors. Users can ask more subtle questions, such as “How scary is The Shining?” or “What are the other movies with X actor?”
Also: 6 settings I changed on my Roku TV to significantly improve performance
Roku Voice will maintain context during the conversation, allowing you to ask follow-up questions on the same topic. This update is coming soon to all Roku devices, and users will be able to experience it through the Roku Voice remote or mobile app.
Bluetooth headphone mode is also coming roku streaming stick And Roku Streaming Stick PlusEliminates the need for a mobile app and allows you to pair Bluetooth headphones directly with the Roku Streaming Stick. Until now, you had to connect your Bluetooth headphones to your phone and use the Roku mobile app to enable headphone mode with these devices.
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New interactive buttons are being introduced to trailers on the Roku platform, including a “How to Watch” button and a “Save” button. You can jump to the movie directly from the trailer without having to go through the trailer menu.
Live TV channels are getting an updated look. You will see a new search bar in the Live TV channel guide and Live TV zone. When you watch titles or browse on the platform, Roku will show two streaming apps under each title where you can stream, giving priority to your active subscription.
Also: Which Roku Streaming Stick Should You Buy? I Tested Every Model, and Here’s My Pick
For sports fans, Roku is introducing new search features, including live scores that appear on each matchup’s tile card, without requiring a specific game selection. If you press the New Reminder button for an upcoming sporting event, you’ll get a notification when the game starts.
There’s a new customization feature coming later to limit your favorite content, including your favorite sports and TV or movie genres.
The mobile app is also getting updates, including shortcuts to popular requests like closing captions and setting a sleep timer. You’ll also be able to rate movies and shows and mark them as already watched (something I’d love to see Netflix adopt). There will be a new navigation bar at the top of the app, allowing you to scroll through categories seamlessly.
The announcement included the new ability to interact with buildings in Roku City which is shown in a promotion. As an introduction, Roku has added new marquees that you can select to lead you to a special musical performance from Demi Lovato.
Also: Your Roku TV has hidden settings and menu screens – here’s how to access them
After unveiling the first Roku TV projector last month, the streaming device company announced the new vankyo smart projector Which is available at Walmart. This portable projector features 1080p HD resolution, auto keystone, auto focus, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It costs $198, and has 330 lumens brightness, 1500:1 contrast ratio, and two 5W speakers.
Roku recently expanded its smart home compatibility to include Philips Ambilight, which provides a more immersive streaming and gaming experience with Philips Hue lights.
