Everything Thats New In Roku OS 8

Just days after the launch of Apple TV 4K, Roku has rolled out a series of streaming devices as well as a new system update called Roku OS 8. This being a major update will power all the new Roku streaming media players and Roku TV models while the older devices will receive an over-the-air update by the end of the year. The all new Roku OS 8 brings a myriad of new and exciting features including a Smart Guide program for Roku TV models that gives you a complete information on what’s playing on your favorite channels. Apart from that, you’ll find new voice features, updated 4K spotlight channels, Private listening and much more.

In this blog, we have congregated select powerful features and enhancements introduced in Roku OS 8. To see the full list of features and updates, please read the release notes here.

Also read Roku Launches A New Fleet of Streaming Devices.

Enhanced Voice Features

The Roku OS 8 brings a number of exciting voice capabilities to the Roku streaming devices. With the new voice features, you can easily control your Roku streaming device through a number of voice commands. You can now tune in to different broadcast channels, switch inputs and search content on your Roku streaming device just by giving simple voice commands. However, this feature is currently available in the US only.  

Fast TV Start

Roku now allows you to enable Fast TV Start on select Roku devices and Roku TV models. You can now start your TV from standby more quickly. The best part is, you can do so through voice commands using the voice remote or the Roku mobile app. Roku OS 8 also allows you to install software updates while in standby. To enable this feature on Roku, go to Settings > System > Power and toggle on Fast TV Start.

Smart Guide

Roku allows its users to watch free local broadcast channels on their Roku enabled TV sets. With the new Smart Guide feature, you can easily find what’s playing on different broadcast channels. Not only that, the Smart Guide also provides information about various TV shows from 7 days in the past and up to 14 days in the future. Smart Guide also identifies your favorite broadcast channels with the passage of time and places them in the list of the most viewed channels category.

Private Listening For Antenna Content

The Private Listening feature was first launched in Roku OS 7 which enabled the Roku users to privately listen to the audio featured on their TV through headphones connected to their mobile phone. For this, the users need to have the Roku remote app installed on their smartphones. Now with Roku OS 8, The Roku users with an HDTV antenna connected to their TV can also use the private listening feature.

Updated 4K Spotlight Channel

A new 4K Spotlight channel has been updated which now makes it easier than ever to find the 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision content on Roku TV platform. A new navigation menu has been added that lets you find the content you are looking for in no time. You can also browse by using different categories such as genre.