Roku announced Roku OS 9 this morning, the latest update to the operating system for their Roku Streaming Players and Roku TVs.
The main updates include better voice search, support for streaming music services, and the ability to control your Roku device from devices like Google Home and Google Home Mini.
Roku OS9 Features
Google Assistant
Soon, you’ll be able to use Google Assistant devices to control select Roku streaming devices to pause and search for content and launch channels. Additionally, Roku TV owners can turn their TV on and off, turn up the volume, mute, switch inputs and change channels if there is an OTA antenna connected.
“Free” Genre Voice Search
Browse free content available on the Roku platform with simple voice requests such as “let’s see free sitcoms,” “show me free comedies,” “free dramas” and more.
Automatic Volume Leveling
Automatic Volume Leveling will be available on select Roku streaming players, as well as select Roku TVs whether paired or not to Roku TV Wireless Speakers.
Spotify Support
Discover, manage and share over 35M songs for free, or upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features including offline mode, improved sound quality, Spotify Connect and ad-free listening. Roku customers will be able to launch and navigate the channel using a Roku remote or via Spotify Connect on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
Pandora Premium support
With Pandora Premium, listeners can search and play any song, album or featured playlist, with the option to create their own, and access personalized soundtracks based on changing moods. Available via the Pandora channel in the Roku Channel Store now.
Pandora Premium is available via the Pandora channel in the Roku Channel Store now. Customers will be able to control Roku streaming players and Roku TVs using Google Assistant devices in the coming weeks.
When is Roku OS 9 available?
Roku OS 9 will begin rolling out to Roku streaming players in early November and Roku TVs early next year. It is expected to be completed in Q1 2019.