Roku has recently unveiled a new home entertainment licensing program. Additionally, the company will be rolling out a new voice-controlled assistant, which works through Roku Connect.
Roku will be introducing a new home licensing program that aims to make it easier for the consumer to enjoy their streaming content around the whole home. The new program will allow OEM brands to build soundbars and smart speakers, surround sound and multi-room audio systems that all use the Roku Connect software to work together in a home entertainment ecosystem or network.
Roku is also planning on rolling out a new voice assistant, the Roku Entertainment Assistant, optimised for home entertainment. It, along with Roku Connect, is expected to be rolled out as a free software update to the Roku® operating system by this Fall to most Roku TV models and Roku players.
The Roku Entertainment Assistant will enable consumers to use voice commands to enjoy entertainment on voice-supported Roku devices. Consumers will be able to issue commands such as, “Hey Roku, play jazz in the living room,” which will initiate a smart soundbar with Roku Connect enabled, to play, even if the TV is turned off.
“We’ve always focused on making it incredibly simple for consumers to find and enjoy streaming entertainment on their TVs, and with an expanded Roku ecosystem, consumers will be able to add great sound to their TVs, and audio around the whole home in a modern way,” said Roku CEO Anthony Wood. “Consumers will love the benefits of a home entertainment network, such as having more affordable options, adding one device at a time, using their voice, having a simplified setup and Wi-Fi connectivity, and holding just one remote control. And, of course, OEM brands benefit by offering their products in a more appealing way to our already large and engaged audience of millions of active accounts.”
OEM manufacturers can choose from a wide variety of options when on how to employ Roku’s smart software technology:
- Roku TV – A smart TV powered by the Roku OS. To be updated with Roku Connect and Roku Entertainment Assistant by this Fall.
- Smart Soundbar – Enhances the TV audio experience. Designed to work with any TV that has a HDMI ARC, and expected to have features to allow it to work better with a Roku TV. To be powered by the Roku OS and include Roku Connect and Roku Entertainment Assistant.
- Smart Speaker – Stand-alone speaker or extends audio from another device for a multi-room experience. To be powered by the Roku OS and include Roku Connect and Roku Entertainment Assistant.
- Roku Connect – Enables OEM brands to build home entertainment devices that connect wirelessly to Roku OS powered devices and other Roku Connect devices within a home entertainment network. Roku Connect devices will be identified by a Roku Connect logo.
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