This week, Roku made headlines by unveiling two updated streaming devices and three new TVs as part of its lineup for 2025. Alongside hardware advancements, Roku also introduced a suite of innovative software features aimed at enhancing the user experience across all its devices in the coming months. The primary focus of these updates is to help users discover new content seamlessly, addressing a common issue faced by many streamers.
According to a recent survey conducted by Roku, it was revealed that 57% of viewers abandon their search for something to watch after struggling to find suitable content. This new user interface aims to combat the prevalent issue of "scroll fatigue," making it easier for users to find engaging shows and movies without having a specific title in mind.
Roku users can look forward to a plethora of exciting features with the upcoming software update. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect:
Coming Soon to Theaters: A brand-new row will be introduced, keeping users informed about the latest films currently in theaters. For those who prefer watching movies at home, you can easily add films of interest to your Save List and receive notifications once they become available for streaming.Short-form Video Content: Roku is embracing the trend of short-form content. New rows will appear in the All Things Food and All Things Home categories, offering quick recipes and home hacks at your fingertips.New Badges: To help prioritize quality content, Roku will add an Award Winner badge alongside existing free and paid badges, enhancing content discoverability.Personalized Sports Highlights: Sports enthusiasts will enjoy new personalized highlights in the Sports Zone section, showcasing the most relevant clips for easy viewing.Sports Zone Expansion: Roku is also expanding the availability of its Sports Zone globally, providing a dedicated space for users to catch up on highlights and receive notifications about their favorite teams' games.Enhanced Roku Mobile App: The Roku mobile app is evolving into a robust second-screen companion. Users will be able to explore available content and use the app as a remote control for their TV. The updated app will feature detailed content information, including cast and crew details, IMDb ratings, trailers, and more, eliminating the need to switch apps for information.Daily Trivia: Test your entertainment knowledge with up to 10 new daily trivia questions. You can also access the Trivia Vault for even more fun challenges.New Roku City Tile: A new side-scrolling feature, Roku City, will be accessible with a single button press. This vibrant, animated world will be filled with hidden easter eggs for users to discover.For a sneak peek, check out a video showcasing Roku City in action—perfect for those moments when you just want to watch something mindless while away from your Roku TV.
Wondering how to ensure your Roku device is up-to-date with the latest software? Fortunately, checking for updates is straightforward. While your Roku device will eventually update automatically when connected to the internet, you can manually check for new software updates by following these simple steps:
Press the Home button on your Roku remote.Scroll to and select Settings.Select System.Select Software update.Select Check Now to manually look for updates for your device.If you encounter issues connecting your Roku to the internet, you can also update the software using a USB flash drive.
For those interested in exploring more options, don’t miss our list of best streaming device picks for 2025. Stay tuned for these exciting updates from Roku!
