Roku rolled out a major update (OS 13.0) this past April 2024 which added a number of new features as well as tweaking some current ones. However, after only 6 months, Roku has just announced another software update (OS 14).
Roku is well-known for its easy-to-use platform that allows users to access popular and favorite content. The new features implemented by OS 14 are designed to enhance streaming experiences. Let’s check out what’s new.
Family Friendly Programming
In 2019 Roku launched their Kids & Family destination within The Roku Channel, making it easier for children and parents to find a great selection of family-friendly shows for free.
To make using the Kids & Family feature easier to use, in OS 14 Roku is placing it on the Home Screen. This provides quicker access to a newly expanded content library of more than 50,000 titles, from popular streaming apps across the platform.
The kid-centric experience delivers a curated selection of content that not only highlights the wide selection of kid’s programming including family movies and popular series, but also organizes the content by age range, genre, and series.
Likes & Dislikes
Another feature being added to Roku OS 14 is the ability to let Roku know if you liked or didn’t like a movie or show via the new thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons.
The more users rate content, Roku can make recommendations more personalized, enhancing the Roku experience. On content pages, viewers can also watch trailers, check IMDb ratings, browse through episodes, and more.
Improved Voice Commands
According to a recent Harris Poll survey (commissioned by Roku), it has been pointed out that 60% of smart TV users find manually updating TV settings, like updating their display, apps, or internet connection, frustrating. With that in mind, Roku is providing better voice control support for its TVs and devices.
If you want to customize your home screen, just say, “Customize my home screen,”. Roku will open the home screen settings page, where viewers can make the needed adjustments.
Voice Remote Pro and Roku Voice
Viewers can use Roku Voice to quickly access settings for screensavers, wallpapers, system updates, guest mode, screen mirroring, system language, and more. Roku Voice makes it easier to control your TV.
Browse and Discover on the Roku Mobile App
With OS14 the Roku Mobile App helps users to find new, relevant, and popular content right on their phone. The Roku Mobile App doubles as a digital remote—if your remote is missing or too far across the room, just pull out your phone and you’re all set. The Roku Mobile App is being updated to enhance browsing and discovery.
Remote Overlay
With a remote overlay, finding trending entertainment is more accessible. Just swipe up to get started. Conveniently positioned at the bottom of the remote screen, the overlay showcases personalized recommendations, content categories like sports and Live TV, and quick-launch apps.
Roku is also adding IMDb ratings to the apps. This allows users to check TV show and movie ratings instantly, without having to launch a new window. In addition, you can also access your favorite go-to sports teams and stay updated on live and upcoming events.
Initial Impressions
Roku continues its success in providing practical updates to its OS. Of all the smart TV OS options, I personally like Roku’s easy to use and visually uncluttered interface. Although OS 13 was a more extensive update, the new and enhanced features of OS 14 continue Roku’s trend of keeping its features up to date. It looks like their updates are coming in about every 6 months at this point.
Availability
A Roku OS 14 software update will be available to Roku devices and TVs in the coming months, which includes the following models:
- Roku streaming players and Streambars – 9100 series, 4800 series, 4600 series, 4200 series, 3900 series, 3800 series, 3700 series, 3600X.
- All Roku TV models (2014-2024), excluding models 65R648, 75R648, and 75U800GMR, are expected to receive Roku OS 14.
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