Roku is one of the most popular streaming platforms out there, and now controlling what you watch on the streaming device is easier than ever before.
The Roku mobile app has been updated to version 6.1.3 today and with it the company is welcoming a brand new Apple Watch app. (If you have Automatic Installs turned off, you may need to install the Roku app manually onto your Apple Watch. Just an FYI.) The update to the app is free and it’s available to download and install now.
One of the more exciting elements of this update is the fact that Roku is expanding voice search beyond the iOS Remote app, extending it to the Apple Watch. This will give Roku users the ability to say things like, “Launch the Hulu app” right into the Apple Watch after tapping the voice icon.
This would be a pretty handy feature for the Apple TV and its stock iOS app, right?
Here are the other features you can expect on your Apple Watch once you’ve updated the app:
- Remote – Control your Roku device directly from Apple Watch. It’s the same easy to use remote from the mobile app – just sized for your wrist!
- Launch channels – Quickly launch channels on your TV with one tap of the watch screen. Channels are listed in order of most recently launched for your convenience.
- Voice Search** – Simply tap the voice icon in the app and say commands like “Launch Hulu,” “search for comedies,” “switch to HDMI 1” for your Roku TV, and much more. Available on select Roku devices and Roku TV models.
- Remote finder – Lost your remote again? Use the Roku app for Apple Watch to signal your Roku remote and it will play an audible chime so you can find it in the couch cushions. Available on the Roku Ultra and select Roku TV models.
I should also note that the Voice Search feature is only available for Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 5.
In related Roku news, the Apple TV app launched on the streaming devices not too long ago. That means you can access the brand new Apple TV+ content, including For All Mankind, The Morning Show, and See, among others.