Roku released updated versions of its mobile apps for iOS and Android that help you access content faster than ever. You can, for instance, view and launch your favorite channels—like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, and YouTube— with a single tap.
The first thing you’ll notice if you’ve used the Roku app before is that this new version has had a visual makeover. Not only does updated app boast a sleeker appearance than older versions, but it has a navigation bar at the bottom that makes navigating between its various sections a much faster process than it used to be. Looking at this navigation bar, you will also notice the major new feature this update brings, which is dubbed What is On.
Tap on the What’s On tab, and you’ll be presented with a selection of shows and movies currently available via your Roku. Select any of them, and they will immediately start playing on your TV, without need to explicitly choose to “cast” them as with some other services. If you are sitting down after a long day and don’t want to browse through your various installed channels to figure out what to watch, the feature will likely be a welcome addition.
When you first launch the app, you’ll be presented with a list of the channels you have installed. You can then tap channel you want, after which remote will immediately appear, so you can continue to navigate the show or movie you want to watch. The Channel Store is available, in just a separate tab.
There also appears to be a slight change to the look of the remote. It is now more in-line with the aesthetic of the real Roku remote control. The app is live in the Play Store for all, but Roku has not updated its screenshots.