Roku users will soon be able to search by actor, director and title following the May update.
The ability to search for specific channels – Netflix, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, Sky Movies – by name instead of having to manually scrawl through the 1,400-odd offerings will also be included in a future update.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be able to view full filmographies for specific artists and see their availability through various partnered services.
Also waiting in the pipeline is Roku Feed, a new recommendations service that will launch with a focus on upcoming films, letting folk know when films that they want to see will be available to stream, through which service, and how much they’ll cost.
Previous Roku updates have focussed on fine tuning performance, speeding up start times and adding a Chromecast-style casting feature for YouTube.
Related: Read our Roku 3 reviewAlso waiting in the pipeline is Roku Feed, a new recommendations service that will launch with a focus on upcoming films, letting folks know when films that they want to see will be available to stream, through which service and how much they’ll cost.
As well as the new functionality, Roku has announced that a new Roku 2 which will reportedly match the current Roku 3 in terms of both speed and performance. The only difference is that you won’t get a remote control bundled with the new Roku 2.
The Roku remote features a headphone jack for private listening and comes with a voice search function. The reason behind bringing the Roku 2 up to speed is that the iOS and Android apps will boast the same search and discovery functions included in the May update, so you’ll be able to use your phone as a smart remote.
The new Roku 2 will cost £69.99 compared to the £99.99 asking price for the Roku 3.
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