Roku typically rolls out a major software update once a year, bringing new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes that set the stage for smaller updates throughout the year. Last fall, the company released Roku OS 15, which introduced improvements such as better HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, faster app loading, and a new Sports Experience hub. Roku later rolled out its redesigned home screen as part of a subsequent Roku OS 15 update.
Now, after teasing that new updates were coming last month, Roku has begun rolling out its next major software update, Roku OS 16, to compatible Roku TVs and streaming devices (via Cord Cutters News).
One of the biggest additions in Roku OS 16 is Roku Labs, a new app that gives you early access to experimental features and apps Roku is developing, letting you try them out before they’re widely available.
The first batch of features available through Roku Labs includes Roku Stocks, which lets you view stock updates on your TV and pin your favorite stocks for easy tracking, and Roku Weather, which lets you check the forecast for your local area. Roku Labs will also include a Find My Remote app for compatible devices, and new games will be available to test early through Roku Labs, starting with Roku City Dash.
But that’s not all Roku has up its sleeve for Roku OS 16.
Roku is upgrading its search and voice experience
It’s new home screen is also expanding to more countries
Another big part of Roku OS 16 is its improved voice and search experience. Before Roku OS 16, you could use your voice to open apps or ask about shows and movies, but that was about it. With its latest update, Roku is expanding those capabilities, allowing you to ask about the weather and get information on current conditions in your area, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.
Roku’s voice features still have a long way to go compared to what Amazon is doing with Alexa+ and Google TV with Gemini, not to mention the upcoming Siri AI experience on Apple TV. Still, this is a small step in the right direction, even if Roku has plenty of work ahead if it wants to offer a voice and AI experience that can compete with those platforms.
Next up, Roku is improving its search experience, which the company describes as a “personalized and dynamic experience.” Search results will now include explanations for why certain content appears, whether it’s based on your watch history, preferences, or trending content. So, if you’re wondering why a particular show or movie pops up when you search, you’ll have a better idea of what’s behind the recommendation.
Another feature coming to Roku OS 16, although it hasn’t rolled out just yet, is Premium Subscription Bundles, a new way to combine streaming subscriptions through Roku and save money.
At launch, Roku says more than 30 combinations will be available, including services like AMC+, FOX One, Hallmark+, Howdy, and STARZ. The bundles will offer savings of up to 30 percent compared to paying for each subscription individually. Roku says the new options are coming soon, and when they arrive, you’ll find them in the Subscriptions tab on the home screen.
Finally, Roku OS 16 will expand the availability of Roku’s redesigned home screen. The new experience has only been available in the US since its launch in May, but Roku plans to bring it to Brazil and Mexico soon.
QuizRoku streaming devices
Trivia challenge
From its humble beginnings to your living room — how well do you really know Roku?
HistoryHardwareFeaturesStreamingFounders
In what year was Roku founded?
Correct! Roku was founded in 2008 by Anthony Wood, who had previously founded ReplayTV. The company launched its first streaming player the same year it was founded, making it a pivotal moment in streaming history.
Not quite. Roku was founded in 2008 by Anthony Wood. It launched its very first streaming device that same year, just months after the company was formed, which was remarkably fast for a hardware startup.
Who is the founder and CEO of Roku?
Correct! Anthony Wood founded Roku in 2008 and has served as its CEO ever since. Before Roku, he founded ReplayTV, one of the first digital video recorder companies, giving him deep roots in home entertainment technology.
Not quite. The answer is Anthony Wood. He founded Roku in 2008 after previously founding ReplayTV. Reed Hastings is associated with Netflix, while Tony Fadell is known as a key figure behind the iPod and Nest.
Roku was originally spun off from which major streaming company?
Correct! Roku started as an internal project at Netflix, which invested in the company and helped shape its early direction. Netflix ultimately decided to spin it off as a separate company to avoid competing with other device manufacturers who might not want to carry a Netflix-branded box.
Not quite. Roku was actually spun off from Netflix. Netflix funded and incubated the project before deciding it was better to keep the streaming device market open and neutral rather than launch a Netflix-branded player that might alienate other hardware partners.
What was the name of Roku’s very first streaming device, launched in 2008?
Correct! The Roku DVP N1000, also known as the Roku Digital Video Player, was the company’s debut product. It launched in May 2008 at a price of $99 and could stream Netflix content directly to your TV — a genuinely groundbreaking feature at the time.
Not quite. The first Roku device was the Roku DVP N1000, launched in May 2008. Priced at $99, it was primarily designed to stream Netflix and helped pioneer the idea of a dedicated, affordable streaming box for the living room.
What is the name of Roku’s free, ad-supported streaming channel built directly into its platform?
Correct! The Roku Channel launched in 2017 and offers thousands of free, ad-supported movies and TV shows. It has since become one of the most-watched channels on the Roku platform and is also available on other devices and the web.
Not quite. The correct answer is The Roku Channel, which launched in 2017. It provides free, ad-supported content and has grown into a major part of Roku’s business strategy, helping the company earn revenue beyond just hardware sales.
Roku’s business model relies heavily on which of the following revenue streams?
Correct! While Roku does sell hardware, its primary revenue engine is its platform business, which includes advertising, revenue sharing with streaming partners, and The Roku Channel. This platform-first approach is what makes Roku more than just a device maker.
Not quite. Roku makes the majority of its money from its platform business, which includes advertising and revenue-sharing arrangements with streaming services. Hardware sales are actually sold at low margins, with the real profit coming from keeping users engaged on the platform.
Which of the following form factors did Roku introduce to make streaming even more portable and discreet?
Correct! Roku introduced the Roku Streaming Stick, a compact dongle that plugs directly into a TV’s HDMI port. It was a game-changer for portability, making it easy to turn any modern TV into a smart TV without a bulky box sitting on your shelf.
Not quite. Roku launched the Roku Streaming Stick, a small dongle that plugs straight into an HDMI port. This compact form factor made Roku devices far more discreet and portable, competing directly with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick.
In which year did Roku go public on the Nasdaq stock exchange?
Correct! Roku went public on September 28, 2017, trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ROKU. Its IPO was considered a major success, and the stock surged significantly in the months that followed, reflecting strong investor confidence in the streaming market.
Not quite. Roku held its IPO on September 28, 2017, listing on the Nasdaq under the ticker ROKU. The offering was well-received by investors and marked a major milestone in the company’s journey from a Netflix spin-off to a publicly traded streaming powerhouse.
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How to update your Roku
You might still need to wait for Roku OS 16 to reach your device
Roku OS 16 has only just started rolling out, so it may still take a few weeks for your Roku TV or streaming device to get it, as Roku typically starts with a slow rollout for its major updates and then gradually ramps it up to more devices over time.
That said, if you want to check whether your Roku has the update available yet, here’s how:
1. Go to the Home screen on your Roku. You can do this quickly by just pressing the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Select Settings from the list of menu options.
3. Navigate to System > Software Update.
4. Select Check now to see if Roku OS 16 is available yet on your device.
