Roku Voice Will Soon Let You Ask Questions and Search With AI

Roku is set to roll out a host of tweaks to its popular streaming platform, including AI interactions on its Voice feature and Bluetooth support on the latest Sticks. The company says the updates will arrive "in the coming months."

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The company says Roku Voice will now use a "combination of in-house and commercial generative AI and LLM technology," through an unnamed provider. This will enable contextual interactions -- e.g. "Is Barbie suitable for kids?" -- and search. Roku Voice will also understand context and you can ask follow-up questions, similar to demonstrations CNET has seen of Google Gemini on TV.

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When asked about privacy when using the AI, a Spotify spokesperson told CNET, "We follow Roku's published privacy policy and viewer settings." 

Roku did not respond immediately to CNET's question about which company was providing the AI technology, or how Roku would protect its users' privacy.

Roku Voice now does AI

Roku

The company also announced the Streaming Stick and Streaming Stick Plus will now allow Bluetooth headphone connections. This capability was previously only available to the larger set tops and Roku TVs.

The mobile app has also had a glow-up with more control functions available when you swipe upwards, and these include quick-access shortcuts such as Find My Remote and Closed Captions.

Roku's mobile app now includes more shortcuts

Roku

Roku is also expanding its Search bar to more screens including What to Watch, Live TV Zone and Live TV Channel Guide. The interface will include a new "Ways to Watch" button featuring trailers and streaming apps under each title while browsing. 

The company also showed off a second portable Roku projector, the Vankyo Roku TV Smart Projector H500R, though it appears similar to the existing Aurzen model. It will be available at Walmart this week with prices to be announced.

Lastly, the Roku Sports tab will include Live Scores and Reminders so that you can be notified of game times.