7 Changes Coming Soon To Your Roku

Even after being acquired by Fox Corporation for $22 billion, the future of Roku as an affordable streaming platform still looked bleak, to say the least. But that could all be changing as Roku announced a variety of new upgrades to improve the overall user experience. In a press release, Roku introduced new features that are expected "over the coming months" on all Roku streaming devices and Roku TV models in the U.S.

One of the key features being added is the new Roku Labs, which is a new app that will provide users access to apps "straight from Roku's engineers and innovators," allowing users to experience features before they're ready for primetime. Users will be able to provide feedback, and the first app to come from the new developmental feature is Roku City Dash — a game that lets users drive around Roku City (which hides its fair share of Easter eggs). Other developmental apps include Roku Stocks, Roku Weather, Backdrops Studio (lets users create custom art for their Roku) and Roku Immerse (focusing on scenic screensavers). Only time will tell if this will be enough to offset the recent Roku device price hikes, but users may appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on new releases directly to the company.

Another new feature slowly arriving to Roku users is the new Teen & Kids mode, which is meant to restrict content for those under 18. Parents and guardians can find the feature from a Roku Settings menu, though they will need to have a Roku PIN established. Once set up and a parent's identity is confirmed, parents will be able to choose what apps children watch, restrict input access, and even moderate media based on content ratings.

Streaming apps need to decide if they want to participate, but those who have already signed up include services like Netflix, Blippi, PBS Kids, and more. Apps in this mode will also adjust content automatically, and Roku also disables ads on the home screen while in this mode. Additional settings are also adjusted or removed, such as casting tools and Roku Pay being blocked. Lastly for Teen & Kids Mode, it will not override any additional parental controls tweaked in apps like Disney+ or other services.

We're not strangers to searching for money-saving streaming bundles, and now even Roku is getting in on the action with U.S. and Mexico subscribers. Promising up to 30% savings over subscribing individually, users will be able to choose from a variety of bundles from services, including names like Hallmark+, AMC+, STARZ, and more. Users will be able to find these bundles from Subscription Destination, the Streaming Store, and elsewhere.

The company is also expanding its search features, promising explanations as to why certain search results, which can be based on trending content, personal preferences, and a user's watch history. Roku states this is meant to help with transparency and relationship trust with consumers. Roku Voice is also seeing an upgrade, promising to offer more capabilities beyond streaming and entertainment. Users can now ask, "What's the weather?" to receive real-time weather information. Finally, Brazil and Mexico will be receiving the newly revamped Home screen to offer more personalization and localized content.

In terms of the operating system, Roku announced that the Roku LT OS is now open source, which should allow programmers to get more creative with the operating system. Developers are getting access to new effects layers on Roku OS 16 that may improve the quality of an app's appearance, while also offering developers new controls such as how apps communicate to a server. This feature is being rolled out slowly to developers, so it may be a while before customers actually notice the changes.