Roku Builds Out Voice Functionality in Latest OS Refresh

Roku is heading into the holiday quarter with new 4K streaming sticks with voice control, a revamped Ultra LT player and an upgraded operating system, said the company Monday.

Roku OS 10.5 includes updates to get customers to content more quickly and adds improvements to the voice remote experience, said the company. Roku has been expanding the number of channels that support voice commands for direct playback. “Nearly any channel” in Roku’s search function supports the feature now, including Netflix and Spotify, it said. Music will play a bigger role in Roku OS 10.5, getting voice search and playback of podcasts, Roku said. Spotify is the launch partner.

With the OS update, rolling out in “coming weeks,” Roku Voice can now be used to complete device setup or log in to supported apps by entering email, password and PIN information. Keyboards that support Roku Voice will display a mic icon, so users can identify when voice entry is an available option, said the company.

U.S. customers will be able to control the sound settings of their Roku device using the mobile app to set night mode, automatic volume leveling and speech clarity, without interrupting TV viewing, Roku said. Wireless private listening can be tailored to the type of headphones connected, it said. The A/V sync feature lets users make refinements via their smartphone camera by measuring the TV screen, which automatically adjusts the audio delay between wireless headphones and the TV. The feature is accessible within the mobile app’s settings.

Also in the new OS, viewers can access live TV from a one-click guide that includes over 200 free channels from The Roku Channel; they can build out a 3.1- or 5.1 surround experience using Roku sound bars and speakers; and a new Home tab is designed to simplify access to genres and seasonal content. Users can add movies and TV shows to a Save list to watch later; it can be accessed via the Home and Remote tabs.

On the device side, the Streaming Stick 4K ($49) and Streaming Stick 4K+ ($69) have Dolby Vision and HDR10 HDR+ and a quad-core processor that's said to boost startup time by 30%. A new Wi-Fi receiver delivers up to 2x faster Wi-Fi speeds than previous models for faster content loads and navigation, said the company. The streaming sticks’ supplied remotes have TV control, enabling users to use a single remote for basic functions, including power and volume adjustment, plus Roku system functions.

Users can search for and play Roku content using voice commands. They can control Streaming Stick 4K by using voice with Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled devices; with AirPlay 2, they can control and share content from an iPhone, iPad or Mac. The streaming sticks also support HomeKit for control by Siri and the Home app on Apple devices. The step-up Voice Remote Pro with the Stick 4K+ has additional TV controls, personal shortcut buttons, private listening, hands-free voice operation and push-to-talk Roku Voice support, said the company. It also has a rechargeable battery and voice-activated lost remote finder.

Roku refreshed the Ultra LT streaming player with Dolby Vision, more storage, a faster processor and Wi-Fi radio with 50% longer range than the previous model; performance improvements are said to offer smoother streaming and faster channel launch times. The unit also includes Bluetooth audio streaming and Ethernet support. It’s a Walmart exclusive in the U.S. and due to launch in “coming weeks” at $79.

Customers buying a new Roku streaming device can get 30 days of HBO Max included when activated by Jan. 14, Roku said. Walmart shoppers get $5 off Redbox, using a code inside the Roku player box; the offer expires Sept. 30, 2022.

The starter streaming stick will be on shelves at major retailers and online mid-October, Roku said. The Streaming Stick 4K+ will be available at Roku.com and major online U.S. retailers, also mid-October. Remaining in the lineup are the Roku Express and Express 4K, Ultra, Streambar and Streambar Pro.