Katarzyna Petru
Roku is introducing one of the largest updates to its Smart TV system in history. The most important new feature? Artificial intelligence, which allows you to talk to the television almost like with a person. The new version of Roku Voice has gained conversational features that are intended to match the experience known from Google TV Gemini.
TV that you can really talk to
Until now, voice commands on Roku were limited to simple commands like "open Netflix" or "stop the movie". Now the system goes much further. You can ask:
"What species of fish is Nemo?",
"How scary is The Shining?,”
and the assistant will respond naturally, as if in a conversation with a human.
The new AI in Roku Voice can also suggest follow-up questions and recommend movies that you can start with a single click or voice command. Want to ask about good action movies? The assistant will immediately provide several titles – and just one word is enough to start the show.
Better content search and discovery
Roku is also enhancing its search and preview features. A new button “Ways to Watch” will appear with movie trailers, showing where a given title can be watched – for example, on Netflix, Disney+, or on the ChooseTV channel. The search feature will be added to more sections of the system, including the Live TV Zone and the live TV channel guide.
More features for sports fans and Bluetooth listening
The Bluetooth Headphone Mode, previously available only on select Roku TVs, will now also be available on Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus devices. This is good news for those who like to watch in silence – with sound only in headphones. Athletes and fans will also receive a Roku Sports section with Live Scores – displaying match scores on tiles – as well as Reminders that will alert you about upcoming events on your smartphone.
For those who prefer to watch with a delay, a “no spoilers” mode has been added, which hides scores and avoids ruining the fun.
Changes Also in the Mobile App
Roku is making enhancements not only on TVs but also in its mobile app. In the coming weeks, the following features will appear:
Find My Remote – remote locator,
Sleep Timer – automatic shutdown,
New shortcuts and subtitle tools,
and a “Rate” button that allows users to rate a movie or show and synchronize ratings across devices.
The For You section will receive new navigation divided into movies, shows, and sports, making it easier to discover content.
When will the update reach users?
Roku did not provide an exact release date, but confirmed that new features will be available to users in the coming weeks. First, the update will be rolled out to customers in the USA, where the company has the largest user base, followed by other countries.
One thing is certain – with this update, Roku is entering a new era of interaction with the television, where AI not only executes commands but can also engage in conversation.
