The Roku OS 8 brings a range of new features to
existing Roku streaming devices and the company has said that Roku devices will
get the update in October. The update will also be rolled out to Roku TV models
in November.
Here are some of the features:
Voice Control: Roku TVs now feature voice controls
to make it easy to switch inputs, tune to a local antenna broadcast channel,
launch a streaming channel and more.
Fast TV Start: Allows a Roku TV to start quickly and
launch a streaming or antenna TV channel in seconds simply using a voice
command. For example, you can say “launch Hulu” and the TV will turn on and
open the Hulu streaming channel. Or, say, “tune to ABC,” and the TV will turn
on and tune to the local ABC station if an HDTV antenna is connected to the
Roku TV.
Smart Guide: An electronic program guide for Roku
TVs that seamlessly integrates information for local broadcast TV via an HDTV
antenna with streaming options allowing customers to search for, find and
discover entertainment. The guide provides program information for local
antenna broadcast TV channels from seven days in the past to up to 14 days in
the future.
Roku Search for Local Antenna TV: Local antenna
broadcast TV options are now included in Roku Search results for Roku TV
customers who use an HDTV TV antenna to receive free local broadcast TV.
Private Listening for Antenna Content: Roku TV
customers with an HDTV antenna connected to their TV can now use private
listening to hear audio for local antenna broadcast content (as well as their
streaming content) either using their mobile device via the Roku mobile app or
through the headphone jack on the remote control on select Roku TV models. This
feature is also available for streaming.
