ROKU Upgrades Players, Adds More Ways to Discover Search and Content

[MULTIZ321]

ROKU Upgrades Players, Adds More Ways to Discover Search and Content - by Terrence O'Brien/ Engadget.com

"It's been a while since Roku updated its set top streaming boxes. Today its two highest-end models, the Roku 2 and 3, are getting a minor hardware revision, but it's the accompanying software upgrade that's adding some welcome new features. Firstly, the Roku 2 is getting the same processor and other internals as its big brother, while keeping its $70 price. The 3 remains unchanged on the inside, instead its big hardware addition is a microphone on the remote. Why a mic? Well one of the big new features of Roku's software is true voice search. A dedicated search button on the new remote quickly lets you find content by searching for actors, directors, titles and finally by channel. And if the on-screen keyboard isn't quite your speed, you can speak your query. And if you have an older or cheaper model, you can still take advantage of the new voice search through the updated mobile app.

The other big addition to the Roku world is the "feed," where you can track content and find updates about films you're interested in. The company clearly has big plans for this new feature, but it's starting small. First up is "Movies Coming Soon," where you'll find films that have recently hit theaters. By choosing to follow the titles you'll get updates when say The SpongeBob Movie first hits streaming and when its price drops. Eventually the company could add additional ways of tracking media. There might be alerts for when the latest season of Mad Men hits Netflix or when a new movie staring Sam Jackson lands on Amazon..."

Richard

 

[Ironwood]

Multiz321....I take it these are hardware/software upgrades to new Roku equipment....not software upgrades to existing Roku's....if indeed the software can be upgraded. I have the streaming stick, which is works well, but which I don't watch much, as it is not as seamless surfing content as it is on my fibre cable provider.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Multiz321....I take it these are hardware/software upgrades to new Roku equipment....not software upgrades to existing Roku's....if indeed the software can be upgraded. I have the streaming stick, which is works well, but which I don't watch much, as it is not as seamless surfing content as it is on my fibre cable provider.

Hi Ironwood,

I had the opposite interpretation after reading the article. I thought the software upgrades will work with older Roku equipment. I don't know for sure, because I haven't tried it yet (I have Roku 3).

Best regards,

Richard

 

[Ironwood]

MULTIZ321....I had a chance to look thoroughly at the content on my Roku streaming stick last night, and aside from a few new links, I don't see any difference. Maybe there is stuff to come. I use it primarily for my link to Netflix rather than through my smart home theatre, as I prefer the layout which is a little different.

 

[Passepartout]

For what it's worth, today's (4-10) www.woot.com main offering is a factory refurb ROKU 3 for $60. It does not, however seem to have the microphone referred to in the above article for voice control.

I have an old ROKU HD, and may upgrade. It's an easy and inexpensive way to make a 'dumb TV' smart.

Jim

 

[taterhed]

The new 3 has voice search (across all channels/subscriptions) on the remote. The new 2 has capability thru the app. (as may older devices...but only thru the smartphone app.

The Roku 4 is rumored to be on the way soon.....

 

[MULTIZ321]

Hi Ironwood,

I had the opposite interpretation after reading the article. I thought the software upgrades will work with older Roku equipment. I don't know for sure, because I haven't tried it yet (I have Roku 3).

Best regards,

Richard

Here' s an article that has more definitive information:

Major Roku Upgrades Include Voice Search for $100 Roku 3, New Hardware for $70 Roku 2 - by Michael Brown, Senior Editor, TechHive/ Streaming Hardware/ techhive.com

Roku
The new Roku 2 will no longer have a headphone jack in its remote control. And while the hardware can support the voice-search feature that comes with the Roku 3's remote, Roku doesn't plan to sell that remote solo.

Hope they do decice to sell the new remote solo.


Richard

 

[theo]

<snip> The new Roku 2 will no longer have a headphone jack in its remote control. <snip>

That's unfortunate --- and regressive, in my opinion. I've occasionally found it both convenient and considerate of others to be able to watch something late at night --- silently and without disturbing anyone else in an adjoining room --- via headphones into that remote jack. I fail to comprehend how or why it could be in any way "beneficial" to drop such an inocuous and inexpensive but very useful feature.

 

[Ironwood]

Roku streaming content in Canada is very limited relative to what is available in the US. I can get about 100 channels on my streaming stick...but I have no interest whatsoever in a Seychelles Real Estate channel! I'd love to visit but I have no wish to buy there.
A poster on another site suggested this remedy to Canadians to access US content:
1. Pay $5/month to unblock-us so it looks like your router is in the US
2. Register with Roku using Paypal and a made-up US address
The amount of channels available to me now has increased ten-fold (if not more). New options include: the search function mentioned above (and yes, it is great), Plex, Pandora, Spotify, Disney, PBS Kids, Hulu, Redbox, Syfy, HuffPost, NBC News, and on and on and on.
I did register for unblock-us a couple of years ago to access Netflix US which has 3 to 4 times the content as the Canadian version. But, I had issues with the US IP address, and it gave unblock-us more access to my PC than I wished to allow. I think I said in an earlier post that I primarily use my Roku streaming stick to access Netflix and You Tube as I prefer the layout and browse functions.

 

[MULTIZ321]

That's unfortunate --- and regressive, in my opinion. I've occasionally found it both convenient and considerate of others to be able to watch something late at night --- silently and without disturbing anyone else in an adjoining room --- via headphones into that remote jack. I fail to comprehend how or why it could be in any way "beneficial" to drop such an inocuous and inexpensive but very useful feature.

+1


Richard

 

[Makai Guy]

That's unfortunate --- and regressive, in my opinion. I've occasionally found it both convenient and considerate of others to be able to watch something late at night --- silently and without disturbing anyone else in an adjoining room --- via headphones into that remote jack. I fail to comprehend how or why it could be in any way "beneficial" to drop such an inocuous and inexpensive but very useful feature.

I agree, but from what I've read, you can still use your old remote with the headphone jack with the new Roku. Plus, the new ones will support the voice-activated search if done through the updated Roku app for Adroid or IOS.

 

[MULTIZ321]

OK, Cool!

I downloaded the Roku App on both my Samsung Galaxy 4 Smartphone and my Galaxy Note 4 10.1 2014 Edition Tablet.

The Apps on both devices recognized my Roku 3 Player.

Voila, I can now do Voice Searches and navigation from the App and do not have to use the original Roku Remote and no need to buy a new remote, even if it were available separately (which it's not).

Worked like a charm on both devices.

I'm thrilled.

Thank you Roku!!


Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

Also downloaded the Roku App on our Kindle Fire HDX tablet.

The Voice control and other navigation works fine from the Kindle too.


Richard