The Roku app now lets you control your devices with Apple Watch. Roku allows its users to control their broadcast devices using a mobile app instead of a remote control. This is convenient for times when the Roku remote control is lost, the more convenient it is when the remote control is on the other side of the room and you do not want to get up off the couch. Starting today, you do not even need to take out your smartphone.
The Roku app has many smart features for owners of set-top boxes, smart TVs, and streaming keys, including the ability to listen to TV audio with headphones connected to the phone. Similar remote control capabilities are available on Amazon’s Fire TV platform.
Of course, using the smartphone app instead of the physical remote has a small drawback: you have to take your phone out, unlock it, and launch the app. It does not matter, but if you are looking for maximum comfort control, there is a better solution: smartwatches. The portable remote includes a pause/play feature, a back button, and a home button.
Apple Watch can now be used as a Roku remote app during streaming. It is the same as the remote control shown on the phone app, just the size of the wrist. Starting on Friday, if you update your Roku mobile app to version 6.1.3 via the iPhone, it will appear on Apple smartwatches. Finally, if you can’t find the Roku remote, you can locate it using the Apple Watch app. The smartwatch will signal the Roku remote, and a beep will sound.
Apple released the latest smartwatch Watch Series 5 last month, and Roku released its 2019 lineup in September. Its streaming media player starts at $30 with the new Express model and $100 with the ultra-super Ultra. The latest Apple Watch starts at $399 and is now equipped with a display that is always on display.
