Roku could have solved the largest downside with house TV streaming – here is how

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Key findings from ZDNET

• New Roku updates shall be free for all present prospects.
• The updates embrace an AI-enabled Roku Voice function.
• The corporate is launching a brand new $198 good projector.

Streaming system maker Roku has simply introduced a slate of updates for current Roku customers, together with a brand new reasonably priced projector. Updates embrace enhancements to the Roku Metropolis screensaver, Roku Voice, stay TV channels, Roku cell app, and headphone mode.

One of many greatest updates is the introduction of synthetic intelligence (AI) capabilities to its Roku Voice function. The up to date voice expertise will permit Roku Voice to reply questions on exhibits, films, characters or actors. Customers can ask extra delicate questions, like “How scary is The Shining?” or “What are the opposite movies with actor X?”

Moreover: I modified 6 settings on my Roku TV to considerably enhance efficiency

Roku Voice will keep context through the dialog, permitting you to ask follow-up questions on the identical subject. This replace is coming quickly to all Roku gadgets, and customers will be capable to strive it out via the Roku Voice distant or cell app.

Bluetooth headset mode can also be coming to Roku streaming device and Roku Streaming Stick Pluseliminating the necessity for the cell app and permitting you to pair Bluetooth headphones straight with Roku streaming gadgets. Till now, you needed to join your Bluetooth headphones to your cellphone and use the Roku cell app to activate headphone mode with these gadgets.

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New interactive buttons are being launched to trailers on the Roku platform, together with a “Methods to Watch” button and a “Save” button. You may soar straight to the film from the trailer with out having to go away the trailer menu.

The stay TV channel has an up to date look. You will notice a brand new search bar within the Stay TV Channel Information and Stay TV Zone. When viewing titles or searching the platform, Roku will present as much as two streaming apps below every title the place you possibly can stream, prioritizing your energetic subscriptions.

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For sports activities followers, Roku is introducing new discovery options, together with stay scores that seem on the playing cards for every match with out requiring a particular recreation choice. Should you press the brand new Reminder button for an upcoming sporting occasion, you may obtain a notification when the sport is about to start out.

Later, there’s a new customization function to slender down your most popular content material, together with your sports activities and favourite TV or film genres.

The cell app can also be getting updates, together with shortcuts that function well-liked requests like closed captions and setting timers. You will additionally be capable to fee films and exhibits and mark them as already watched (one thing I would like to see Netflix undertake). The highest of the app will function a brand new navigation bar, permitting you to browse classes seamlessly.

The announcement included the brand new skill to work together with Roku Metropolis buildings that had been featured in a promotion. As an introduction, Roku has added new tents that you could choose to be transported to an unique musical efficiency by Demi Lovato.

Additionally: Your Roku TV has hidden settings and menu screens – here is how you can entry them

After launching the primary Roku TV projector final month, the streaming system firm has introduced the brand new Vankyo Smart Projector which is offered at Walmart. This moveable projector has 1080p HD decision, computerized keystone, autofocus, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It prices US$198 and has a brightness of 330 lumens, a distinction ratio of 1500:1 and two 5W audio system.

Roku lately expanded its good house compatibility to incorporate Philips Ambilight, providing a extra immersive streaming and gaming expertise with Philips Hue lights.