Last week Roku, a hardware media services company that allows users to stream Internet TV from various platforms announced some updates on their devices, which included OS 10.5 update to sync audio/video, a Mobile App update (save list added), and an update on live free channels.
The updates seemed to, majorly, be centered around the sound features and upgrades. However, there is not much to attract new audiences, nor any specific announcement on streaming support issues on Disney Plus Roku devices was made. But, it does address the issues faced by the existing users.
Table of Contents
1. Audio/Video Sync
As mentioned earlier, “Sound” turns out to be the central theme of the announced updates. One of the Mobile App’s updates is aimed at fixing Audio/Video sound sync. It works like this – Initially, it attempts to automatically sync the audio with the video with the help of a headphone-specific troubleshooter.
If the issue isn’t resolved from within the app only, the users can activate their smartphone cameras to get visually assisted while syncing audio. A video is played on the screen, giving some instructions so that the app can sync the Audio-Video properly.
So, the sync issue that initially ruined the experience and only added to the frustration will hopefully be resolved easily.
2. Save List
As per the update, the Roku app now onwards will also enable searching and saving content (or titles) to the save list. This will enable the users to add any title in the save list when they find an interesting one, reducing the effort to remember those titles.
Users can access a few more settings like Speech clarity and Night mode from within the app only. This will help to avoid the need to pull up on-screen menus.
3. Streambar and Stream pro
They also announced added support features for the configuration of 3.1 and 5.1 Roku speakers. Users having Streambar and StreamPro can use their device as a centered audio channel with the help of wireless speakers (3.1) at either side or with a rear speaker (5.1).
4. Enhanced voice search and In-app searches
Roku attempted to make their voice search feature more user-friendly. While using the voice assistant a tutorial on voice controls will be available. The voice support also includes Passwords, PINs, and other login credentials now.
Also, the users will now be able to search platform-specific content within the respective platform and they can also search for music and podcasts. For instance, users will be able to search for podcasts on Spotify or a comedy movie on Netflix.
5. Pin LiveTV
Roku live TV that contains 200 free live channels has received an update that enables users to pin the Live TV option on the home screen.
6. Streaming Stick 4K
Roku also announced a new Streaming Stick 4K. The new Streaming Stick 4K and Streaming Stick 4K+ are ready to replace Streaming Stick+ and Express 4K+.
The new streamers contain a quad-core processor which allows a 30 percent faster boot-up time, is stronger, and has up to two times faster Wi-Fi (as Roku claims) with HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision Support, Dynamic Radio, and Power Optimization.
The rechargeable, lost-and-found sirene-equipped Voice Remote Pro which comes with the plus version turns out to be the main difference between the two versions.
Conclusion
Roku announced some updates, including an OS and Mobile App update and some new features. Apparently, the updates and the features aim to enhance the user experience and increase user-friendliness. The update does not address the problems faced while streaming Disney Plus directly but the announced updates may, in some ways, be able to fix some or the other.
Also, the update does not focus much on grabbing new users but to troubleshoot the issues faced at present. Provided, Roku, as of now, looks to expand its segments and enhance user experience, being able to retain and serve its present audience tops the priority list. And these updates look towards the same.
These updates may help Roku to get their dropped out users and will also help retain the present ones. However, some announcements like the Mobile App, Free Live Channels, and Streaming Stick may attract new users too.
