Roku’s latest software update brings local news, more live sports and a new mobile app

Photo credit: roku

Roku devices get an upgrade. The company today announced a series of updates that will come with the new version of its software, Roku OS 12, for its media streamers and TVs. The updates, which focus on areas like live TV and sports, among others, are also accompanied by an overhaul of the Roku mobile app, which the company says includes a new home screen and other layout changes, alongside improved tools in areas like account management and photos becomes.

The company also announced that its new Roku-branded televisions are now available exclusively at Best Buy.

The software updates aim to help Roku better compete with rivals — particularly in the live TV space, which is becoming a key selling point for customers overwhelmed with paid streaming subscriptions and looking for alternatives. FAST channels (free ad-supported streaming TV) and services that offer access to free content are becoming increasingly popular.

Roku currently includes a selection of over 350 of these types of live channels in its software, which it will now improve upon by adding local news. US users can personalize their live TV streams by selecting channels from major cities across the country. Additionally, the company says its news recommendations are powered by AI — a technology Roku uses to tailor the experience to end users and show them the news they want to see.

The company tells TechCrunch that it will use AI to personalize its suggestions based on things like customers’ streaming habits, location, save lists, and more, and those recommendations will improve over time as more users stream .

Customers will receive recommendations based on the services they are already subscribed to, including premium subscriptions that are now integrated into the live TV experience.

But in the coming months, customers may also notice other personalized suggestions – like how the games they’re more likely to want to watch float on the top row when browsing Roku’s new sports experience. Home screen menu items like Recommended Free Offers, Recommended Content, and Live TV are also positioned based on customer usage of those features for more convenient access and fewer clicks, Roku says.

Another change to the live sports experience, first announced in November, will be the addition of a new golf zone that will host upcoming live tournaments. Sports Zone will also increase the reach of Spanish-language coverage and expand its line of providers to include CBS Sports, MLB TV, NBA League Pass and more in its roster.

Elsewhere in the Roku UI, the Watch Next feature is updated, allowing users to return to content they were previously watching. With the update, this feature updates almost instantly where you left off – as soon as you click out of content and exit an application. New partners like Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+ and Vix Plus are now also supported in this role, along with debuting partners Netflix, Paramount+, HBO Max and of course The Roku Channel – Roku’s own free streaming hub. Other channels will soon add support as well, including BET+, Frndly TV, Freevee, and STARZ.

The other big change rolling out alongside the OS update is an updated Roku mobile app.

The company says the new design aims to make the app a “more visually immersive” and personalized experience.

Changes include an updated account hub, so you can log in to the app itself and access more security, privacy, and notification settings. There are also new tools for managing the devices connected to your Roku account.

The app’s home screen will be updated to focus on the sports experience and continue viewing ranks, and will offer more ways to discover content across the platform. This includes updated recommendations that are personalized in real-time.

The Photo Stream feature, which lets you view your own photos as a screensaver on your TV, is now expanding from just 100 photos to 1,000 now.

The updates will be available for US users. However, Roku’s international customers will soon see updates that include the introduction of What to Watch, Continue Watching, the Save List, the Live TV Zone, and the category menu within the program guide.

The software updates were announced along with the first news on the features and launch timing of the recently announced Roku Select and Plus series TVs, which will be available in 11 models ranging from 24″ to 75″.

The Plus series, also exclusive to Best Buy, offers QLED technology, 4K Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, auto-brightness, local dimming, the Roku Voice Remote Pro, Bluetooth private listening (no app) and more. They also support wireless surround sound expandability with the new Roku Wireless Soundbar (also exclusive to Best Buy), Roku Wireless Speaks and Wireless Base. The company said pricing for these will start at $500 later this year.

The Roku Select Series (MSRP starting at $150) and Plus Series TVs are available today in Best Buy stores and online at BestBuy.com. The new wireless soundbar will arrive later this month.

Earlier this week, Roku founder and CEO Anthony Wood expressed his confidence in the company’s newly launched first-party TVs and plans to conquer the entire smart TV market.

“The biggest opportunity for us to continue growing is with the participation of LG, Samsung and Vizio,” Wood said during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference. “These are the television companies that are left in terms of tangible market share, excluding Roku.”

Wood added that Roku has a “very big lead” over Google and Amazon when it comes to the licensed TVOS space. “These companies are growing market share, but they’re still tiny … They still have single-digit market share,” he said.