Roku has teamed up with Google to bring Google Assistant functionality to its streaming devices and Roku TVs. Roku already offers voice control on some of its products with a voice remote, but Google Assistant is much more widely used and accessible to the general public.
When the update rolls out to most Roku streaming devices and TVs in the coming weeks, users will be able to control video and music playback, launch apps, and search for content by simply talking to Google Assistant on their smartphone or a Google Home speaker. Roku TV owners will also be able to power their sets on and off, adjust volume, switch between inputs, and change channels, though the latter requires an antenna.
Roku has also announced a new set of wireless speakers as an alternative to large sound bars. The pair which will sell for $199 and won't be voice-connected, but it will come with a puck-shaped Roku Touch remote that will allow users to assign their most used voice commands and searches to different buttons on the remote.
Roku's new wireless speakers
Aside from the Google partnership, Roku also announced that a new and improved Spotify app will launch on the platform. The streaming juggernaut pulled its own app from the Roku store last year, as it didn't quite live up to its iterations on other platforms, in terms of user experience. Spotify announced that the app would return when it has been improved. The new app allows you to navigate Spotify using the remote, or if you have Spotify Premium, you can use the Connect control through the Spotify app. Neat.
Follow us on social media to catch the latest trending stories, watch exclusive videos, and join the conversation with our vibrant community!
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
![T-Mobile users can get iPhone 16 for the price of a budget phone (no new line) [UPDATED]](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/167601-wide-two_350/T-Mobile-users-can-get-iPhone-16-for-the-price-of-a-budget-phone-no-new-line-UPDATED.jpg)
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: