Roku Next Free Upgrade: Voice Controls Like Gemini AI On Google TV

Roku TV devices are set to receive a significant upgrade in the upcoming months, with big AI improvements for voice control. These enhancements will bring Roku’s voice control capabilities closer to what Google TV devices currently offer, thanks to a new feature called Gemini.

In addition to the usual commands like opening apps and searching for TV shows and movies, users will soon be able to ask more complex questions. For example, queries such as “How scary is The Shining?” or “What kind of fish is Nemo?” will now be supported.

According to reports from The Verge, Roku Voice will display responses on the screen in text format, along with links to the specific series or films being asked about. The software will also support follow-up questions related to the original query, making the voice control experience more intuitive and interactive.

Aside from the AI upgrades, Roku is also introducing a Bluetooth headphone mode for its latest devices, the Roku Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus. This feature allows users to watch TV privately with their own wireless headphones or earbuds, without disturbing others in the room.

For those who prefer using the Roku mobile app, free features coming soon include ‘find my remote’, shortcuts to closed captions, a sleep timer, and daily trivia. Users will also have access to Netflix-style rating buttons to like/dislike titles and mark them as watched. Additionally, the For You page can be sorted into different categories such as shows, movies, and sports.

Other updates include a ‘Ways to watch’ button when viewing trailers, expanded search bar functionality across different areas of the platform, and real-time sports scores displayed alongside games on Roku TV. Users can also opt to toggle off spoilers for sports scores and receive notifications when a game is about to start.

These updates are expected to roll out in the coming months, although it is unclear whether they will be exclusive to the US or available to UK viewers as well. We have reached out to Roku for clarification and will update this article with more information once it becomes available.