Katarzyna Petru
Roku has just released a major update for its mobile and television applications. The most important change? A new way to control the television, which works much more like LG's Magic Remote, meaning… simply convenient. Additionally, there are 12 new, free channels, including even two from the BBC.
App of the Year with a new touchpad – no more tapping like on a calculator
Until now, controlling through the app was, to put it mildly, clumsy. You had to click arrows and slowly move the cursor like in the menu of an old DVD. Now finally, a virtual touchpad is here, allowing you to swipe across the screen, and the cursor glides smoothly over the television. It sounds trivial, but it changes everything.
Testers from Cord Cutters confirm: instead of “tap-tap-tap”, you just swipe and you’re done. Roku also adds haptics, so when you swipe, your finger feels a slight vibration, a bit like in good applications on an iPhone. Don’t want the touchpad? No problem — in the settings, you can revert to the old button system.
New look for the app, new channels, and faster pairing
Roku has also slightly refreshed the interface. The home screen is now simpler, and shortcuts to recently watched channels are more readable. Wi-Fi pairing has also been improved - it is supposed to be faster and less temperamental. The update is being rolled out globally for Android and iOS - everyone should receive it within a week.
At the same time, Roku is adding 12 new free channels (FAST - that is, ad-supported). They will be available on all Roku devices. All of them will go to the Live TV section, joining the 40 channels available in the UK in October.
Does Roku stand a chance of becoming an even bigger player?
Roku is doing something that should have been standard for a long time: convenient navigation + more free content. The app update finally makes controlling the TV with your phone sensible, and the new FAST channels are an added bonus for those who enjoy something "in the background" or do not wish to pay for additional subscriptions.
