Roku’s latest software update, OS 11, includes an option for users to share photos to their Roku devices, among other new personalized features.
“With Roku OS 11, we’re offering a platform with new personalized updates across search, audio, content discovery along with a new feature that allows our customers to display and even share photo albums through Roku devices,” said Gidon Katz, senior VP of product and experience at Roku.
Roku Photo Streams allows users to directly upload personal photos to a Roku device from their desktop or mobile phone. They can set photos as a screensaver or share them with other Roku users. Photo Streams also lets users add photos to a previously shared album, creating a more personalized experience.
Audio updates include an automatic speech clarity setting, which dynamically identifies and amplifies dialogue so that users don’t miss a word they hear on-screen. Users can further customize their streaming through different sound modes; standard, dialogue, movie, music, and night, along with expanded audio/video synchronization that can be calibrated within the Roku Mobile app.
OS 11 features a new What to Watch home screen, displaying movies and TV shows from a user's frequently-visited streaming channels. Recommendations are tailored to users from recently added titles and the latest trending content.
The home screen will also show recently watched content from Roku’s Live TV Zone, a feature Roku introduced in January.
Roku’s mobile app comes with a new Save List option, enabling users to track the movies and TV shows they want to watch. Their selections will then be available on Roku devices. The app’s enhanced visual elements, highlighting which channels are available within existing subscriptions, make it easier for users to look up content.
OS 11 also introduces new voice-enabled keyboards for Roku Voice. Users can now input voice commands in Spanish, German and Portuguese.
“We recognize not everyone interacts with their TV in the same way, so we are proud to offer a platform full of choice, while simultaneously providing our users an easy-to-use experience,” said Katz.
Roku will be rolling out the OS 11 update to devices within the coming weeks.