Roku Fixes Biggest Streaming Headache: AI Voice, Headphone Mode & More

Roku has announced a major suite of updates addressing some of the biggest pain points in TV streaming. The company unveiled AI-powered voice search, direct Bluetooth headphone connectivity, improved Live TV discovery, enhanced mobile app features, and a new affordable smart projector. These updates represent a significant evolution in Roku's platform and create new opportunities for dealers to enhance customer experiences.

Key Updates for Dealers:

• AI-Powered Roku Voice: Understands complex questions about shows, movies, characters, and actors

• Bluetooth Headphone Mode: Direct connection to Roku Streaming Stick (no mobile app required)

• Live TV Improvements: Better discovery with search bar, streaming app recommendations, live scores

• Mobile App Enhancements: Shortcuts, closed captions, sleep timers, watch status tracking

• New Vankyo Smart Projector: 1080p HD, $198, available at Walmart

• Philips Ambilight Integration: Enhanced immersive experience with smart lighting

The Biggest Update: AI-Powered Roku Voice

What's New

Roku's most significant update is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) features to its Roku Voice search capability. This upgrade transforms how users discover content by enabling more natural, conversational queries.

How It Works

The upgraded Roku Voice feature now allows users to ask nuanced, context-aware questions such as:

• "How scary is The Shining?"

• "What are other movies with [actor name]?"

• "Show me comedies similar to [show name]"

• "What's trending in horror movies right now?"

• "Find shows with strong female leads"

Conversation Context

A key feature of the AI upgrade is context retention. Roku Voice maintains conversation history, allowing users to ask follow-up questions about the same topic without repeating themselves. For example:

• User: "What are movies with Tom Hanks?"

• Roku: [Shows list]

• User: "Which ones are on Netflix?" (Roku understands this refers to Tom Hanks movies)

Availability

This AI-powered voice update is coming soon to all Roku devices and will be accessible through:

• Roku Voice Remote

• Roku Mobile App

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku's new AI voice search makes finding content easier than ever. Instead of clicking through menus, just ask natural questions and Roku understands what you're looking for."

Bluetooth Headphone Mode: A Game-Changer

The Problem It Solves

Until now, using Bluetooth headphones with Roku Streaming Stick required a workaround:

1. Connect Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone

2. Open Roku mobile app on phone

3. Enable headphone mode through the app

4. Audio streams through phone to headphones

This process was cumbersome and limited flexibility. Users couldn't use their phone for other purposes while watching Roku content with headphones.

The Solution

Roku is introducing direct Bluetooth headphone connectivity to the Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus. Now users can:

• Pair Bluetooth headphones directly with the Roku device

• Eliminate the need for the mobile app workaround

• Use their phone freely for other tasks

• Enjoy seamless audio streaming to headphones

Affected Devices

• Roku Streaming Stick

• Roku Streaming Stick Plus

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku Streaming Sticks now support direct Bluetooth headphone connection. No more using your phone as a middleman—just pair your headphones directly to the device."

Live TV Channel Improvements

Better Discovery and Search

The Live TV Channel is receiving a complete redesign focused on improved content discovery:

New Search Functionality

• Search bar added to Live TV Channel Guide

• Search bar added to Live TV Zone

• Easier to find specific shows, channels, or content

Smart Streaming App Recommendations

When browsing Live TV content, Roku now displays up to two streaming apps where you can watch each title. The system prioritizes your active subscriptions, showing:

• Apps you already subscribe to (first priority)

• Alternative apps where content is available

• Pricing information for paid options

This eliminates the frustration of finding a show you want to watch, only to discover you don't have access to it.

Sports Features

For sports fans, Roku is introducing new discovery features:

Live Scores on Tile Cards

• Live scores appear directly on game matchup tiles

• No need to select specific games to see scores

• Quick overview of all upcoming games and current scores

Game Reminders

• New "Reminder" button for upcoming sporting events

• Get notifications when games are about to begin

• Never miss a game you want to watch

Content Customization (Coming Later)

Roku is developing a new customization feature that allows users to narrow down preferred content by:

• Favorite sports

• TV genres

• Movie genres

• Other preferences

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku's improved Live TV discovery makes finding what you want to watch easier. Smart app recommendations show you where your shows are available, and sports fans get live scores and game reminders."

Mobile App Enhancements

New Shortcuts

The Roku mobile app now features popular shortcuts for frequently used functions:

• Closed captions (quick toggle)

• Sleep timers (quick access)

• Volume control

• Other common settings

Content Tracking Features

Users can now:

• Rate movies and shows: Provide feedback on content you've watched

• Mark as watched: Keep track of what you've already seen

• Save for later: Create watchlists of content to view later

Note: Netflix users have been requesting this feature for years—Roku is ahead of the curve here.

Improved Navigation

The top of the mobile app now features:

• New navigation bar

• Seamless scrolling through categories

• Improved visual organization

• Faster access to frequently used sections

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku's updated mobile app makes controlling your streaming experience easier. Quick shortcuts, content tracking, and improved navigation give you more control."

Roku City Screensaver Enhancements

Interactive Elements

Roku is adding interactive functionality to its City screensaver:

Building Interactions

• Select buildings featured in promotions

• Access exclusive content and experiences

• New marquees with special events

Exclusive Content Example

As an introduction, Roku added new marquees featuring exclusive music performances from artists like Demi Lovato. Users can select these to be transported to exclusive performances.

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku's screensaver is now interactive, offering exclusive content and experiences. It's not just a screensaver anymore—it's a gateway to premium entertainment."

New Vankyo Smart Projector

Product Overview

Roku is expanding beyond streaming devices with the new Vankyo smart projector, available at Walmart for $198.

Key Specifications

• Resolution: 1080p HD (native)

• Brightness: 330 lumens

• Contrast Ratio: 1500:1

• Audio: Two 5W speakers

• Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

• Special Features: Auto keystone, auto focus

• Price: $198

Key Features

Auto Keystone

Automatically corrects image distortion when projector isn't perfectly aligned with screen. Users don't need to manually adjust angles.

Auto Focus

Automatically focuses the image for sharp, clear picture without manual adjustment.

Portability

Designed as a portable projector, making it easy to move between rooms or take to different locations.

Dealer Opportunity

This affordable projector creates opportunities for dealers to bundle with streaming devices and broadband services, offering complete home entertainment solutions.

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku's new $198 smart projector brings big-screen entertainment to any room. Combined with Roku streaming and broadband, you can offer customers a complete home entertainment package."

Philips Ambilight Integration

What's New

Roku recently expanded its smart home compatibility to include Philips Ambilight technology, creating a more immersive streaming and gaming experience.

How It Works

Philips Ambilight uses smart lighting that responds to on-screen content:

• Lights sync with movie/show colors

• Creates ambient lighting that extends the picture

• Enhances immersion during gaming

• Adjusts dynamically based on content

Integration with Roku

Roku devices can now control Philips Hue lights (Ambilight compatible) to create synchronized lighting effects during streaming and gaming.

Dealer Talking Point: "Roku now integrates with Philips Ambilight for an immersive entertainment experience. Your lights sync with what's on screen, creating a theater-like atmosphere at home."

Implications for Wireless Dealers

Broadband Bundling Opportunities

These Roku updates create new opportunities for dealers to bundle services:

1. Streaming Device + Broadband: Promote Roku devices with broadband service packages

2. Complete Home Entertainment: Bundle Roku, projector, smart lighting, and broadband

3. Smart Home Integration: Position yourself as a smart home solutions provider

4. Customer Retention: Offer value-added services beyond mobile

Sales Talking Points

• "Roku's new AI voice search makes finding content easier than ever"

• "Direct Bluetooth headphone connection—no more phone workarounds"

• "Smart app recommendations show you where your shows are available"

• "Live sports features with scores and game reminders"

• "Affordable smart projector for big-screen entertainment"

Customer Education Opportunities

Use these updates as conversation starters with customers:

• Educate customers about AI voice search capabilities

• Demonstrate Bluetooth headphone mode

• Show Live TV discovery features

• Explain smart home integration possibilities

Competitive Positioning

These updates position Roku competitively against:

• Amazon Fire TV: Roku's AI voice is now comparable to Alexa integration

• Apple TV: More affordable with similar smart features

• Google Chromecast: Better voice search and discovery

• Smart TVs: Roku offers flexibility across multiple TVs

Device Compatibility and Availability

AI Voice Update

• Availability: Coming soon to all Roku devices

• Access Methods: Roku Voice Remote, Roku Mobile App

• No Additional Cost: Free update for existing users

Bluetooth Headphone Mode

• Compatible Devices: Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick Plus

• Availability: Rolling out now

• No Additional Cost: Free update

Live TV and Mobile App Updates

• Availability: All Roku devices with Live TV Channel access

• Mobile App: iOS and Android

• No Additional Cost: Free updates

Vankyo Smart Projector

• Price: $198

• Availability: Walmart (in-store and online)

• Roku Integration: Built-in Roku streaming

Customer Pain Points Addressed

Content Discovery

Old Problem: Difficult to find specific content across multiple streaming apps

Roku Solution: AI voice search with natural language queries and smart app recommendations

Headphone Connectivity

Old Problem: Required phone as middleman for Bluetooth headphones

Roku Solution: Direct Bluetooth pairing with streaming sticks

Live TV Navigation

Old Problem: Difficult to find live content and know where it's available

Roku Solution: Search bar, smart app recommendations, live scores

Content Tracking

Old Problem: No way to track what you've watched or want to watch

Roku Solution: Rate, mark as watched, save for later features

Sports Discovery

Old Problem: Hard to find games and know when they start

Roku Solution: Live scores on tiles, game reminders, sports customization

Dealer Action Plan

Immediate Actions (This Week)

1. Staff Training: Educate your team on all new Roku features

2. Demo Setup: Set up in-store demo of AI voice search and Bluetooth headphones

3. Marketing Materials: Create signage highlighting new features

4. Customer Outreach: Email existing customers about updates

Short-Term Actions (This Month)

1. Bundle Creation: Develop Roku + broadband packages

2. Projector Promotion: Partner with Walmart or stock Vankyo projectors

3. Smart Home Packages: Bundle Roku with Philips Hue lights

4. Social Media Campaign: Promote new features on Facebook/Instagram

Long-Term Strategy (Next Quarter)

1. Home Entertainment Specialist: Position yourself as complete home entertainment provider

2. Smart Home Integration: Expand beyond mobile into smart home solutions

3. Customer Education Events: Host streaming device workshops

4. Competitive Analysis: Monitor Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast updates

Sales Scripts for Dealers

AI Voice Search Script

Customer: "I have trouble finding shows to watch."

Dealer: "Roku just added AI-powered voice search. Instead of clicking through menus, you can ask questions like 'Show me comedies similar to The Office' or 'What are the scariest horror movies?' Roku understands natural language and remembers your conversation, so you can ask follow-up questions. It's like having a personal entertainment assistant."

Bluetooth Headphone Script

Customer: "Can I use my wireless headphones with Roku?"

Dealer: "Absolutely! Roku Streaming Sticks now support direct Bluetooth headphone connection. Just pair your headphones directly to the device—no need to use your phone as a middleman anymore. Perfect for late-night watching without disturbing anyone."

Live TV Discovery Script

Customer: "I never know where to find the shows I want to watch."

Dealer: "Roku's new Live TV features solve that problem. When you browse content, Roku shows you exactly which streaming apps have each show—and prioritizes the ones you already subscribe to. Plus, if you're a sports fan, you get live scores and game reminders so you never miss a game."

Complete Package Script

Customer: "I want to upgrade my home entertainment setup."

Dealer: "Let me show you a complete solution. We can set you up with a Roku streaming device with AI voice search, add the new $198 smart projector for big-screen entertainment, integrate Philips smart lighting for an immersive experience, and bundle it all with high-speed broadband. You'll have a theater-quality setup at home for a fraction of the cost."

Competitive Analysis

Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV

Feature	Roku	Amazon Fire TV
Voice Search	AI-powered Roku Voice (new)	Alexa integration
Bluetooth Headphones	Direct pairing (new)	Direct pairing
Content Discovery	Smart app recommendations	Amazon content prioritized
Live TV	Improved guide with search	Live TV guide
Price Range	$29.99-$99.99	$34.99-$139.99
Platform Neutrality	All apps equal priority	Amazon content prioritized

Roku vs. Apple TV

Feature	Roku	Apple TV
Voice Search	AI-powered Roku Voice	Siri integration
Bluetooth Headphones	Direct pairing	Direct pairing
Content Discovery	Smart app recommendations	Apple TV+ prioritized
Price Range	$29.99-$99.99	$129-$149
Ecosystem	Platform neutral	Apple ecosystem integration
Gaming	Basic casual games	Apple Arcade integration

Roku vs. Google Chromecast

Feature	Roku	Google Chromecast
Voice Search	AI-powered Roku Voice	Google Assistant
Bluetooth Headphones	Direct pairing	Direct pairing
Content Discovery	Smart app recommendations	Google search integration
Live TV	Improved guide with search	Live TV guide
Price Range	$29.99-$99.99	$29.99-$99.99
Smart Home	Philips Ambilight integration	Google Home integration

Key Competitive Advantages

• Platform Neutrality: Roku doesn't prioritize its own content over competitors

• Affordability: Lower price points than Apple TV

• AI Voice Search: Now competitive with Alexa and Google Assistant

• User-Friendly: Consistently rated easiest to use

• Wide Device Range: Options from budget to premium

Technical Specifications Summary

Roku Streaming Stick (2025)

• Resolution: 1080p HD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (new)

• Voice Control: Roku Voice with AI (new)

• Remote: Roku Voice Remote

• Price: ~$29.99-$49.99

Roku Streaming Stick Plus (2025)

• Resolution: 4K HDR

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (new)

• Voice Control: Roku Voice with AI (new)

• Remote: Roku Voice Remote

• Price: ~$49.99-$69.99

Vankyo Smart Projector

• Resolution: 1080p HD (native)

• Brightness: 330 lumens

• Contrast Ratio: 1500:1

• Audio: Two 5W speakers

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

• Special Features: Auto keystone, auto focus

• Roku Integration: Built-in Roku streaming

• Price: $198

• Availability: Walmart

Frequently Asked Questions

When will AI voice search be available?

Roku announced the AI voice search feature is "coming soon" to all Roku devices. No specific release date has been provided, but it's expected to roll out in phases over the coming weeks.

Do I need to buy a new Roku device to get these features?

No. Most features (AI voice search, Live TV improvements, mobile app updates) are free software updates for existing Roku devices. Only Bluetooth headphone mode is limited to Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus.

Will older Roku devices get the AI voice update?

Roku stated the AI voice update is coming to "all Roku devices," suggesting broad compatibility. However, very old devices may have limitations.

Can I use any Bluetooth headphones with Roku?

Yes, once the Bluetooth headphone mode update rolls out to Roku Streaming Stick and Roku Streaming Stick Plus, you can pair any Bluetooth headphones directly with the device.

Does the Vankyo projector require a separate Roku device?

No. The Vankyo smart projector has Roku streaming built-in. You don't need a separate Roku device.

How does Philips Ambilight integration work?

Roku devices can now control Philips Hue lights (Ambilight compatible) to create synchronized lighting effects that match on-screen content. You'll need compatible Philips Hue lights and bulbs.

Are these updates free?

Yes. All software updates (AI voice, Live TV improvements, mobile app enhancements, Bluetooth headphone mode) are free for existing Roku users.

Where can I buy the Vankyo smart projector?

The Vankyo smart projector is available at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com for $198.

Bottom Line for Dealers

Roku's latest updates address major streaming pain points and create new opportunities for wireless dealers to expand into home entertainment. Here's what matters most:

• AI Voice Search: Makes content discovery easier and more natural—a major customer pain point solved

• Bluetooth Headphones: Direct pairing eliminates the phone workaround—customers will love this

• Live TV Improvements: Smart app recommendations and sports features enhance the viewing experience

• Mobile App Enhancements: Content tracking and shortcuts make Roku more user-friendly

• Affordable Projector: $198 Vankyo creates bundling opportunities with broadband

• Smart Home Integration: Philips Ambilight support positions Roku as a smart home hub

These updates strengthen Roku's competitive position against Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. For dealers, they create opportunities to bundle streaming devices with broadband, position yourself as a home entertainment expert, and increase customer lifetime value.

Train your team on these features, set up demos, and start incorporating Roku into your broadband and smart home packages. Customers are looking for complete solutions—Roku's updates make it easier to deliver them.

Key Takeaways

• What Changed: Roku announced major updates including AI voice search, Bluetooth headphone mode, improved Live TV discovery, mobile app enhancements, and a new $198 smart projector

• Biggest Update: AI-powered Roku Voice with natural language understanding and conversation context

• Game-Changer: Direct Bluetooth headphone pairing on Roku Streaming Stick (no phone required)

• Live TV Upgrade: Search bar, smart app recommendations, live scores, and game reminders

• New Hardware: Vankyo smart projector at $198 with built-in Roku streaming

• Smart Home: Philips Ambilight integration for immersive entertainment

• Availability: Most updates are free software updates; Vankyo projector available at Walmart

• Dealer Opportunity: Bundle Roku devices with broadband and smart home services

• Competitive Edge: Roku's platform neutrality and affordability vs. Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast

• Customer Value: Easier content discovery, better user experience, more entertainment options