Roku Announces OS 11.5 Software Update

Roku announced Roku OS 11.5, a software update that, according to Roku’s press release, will expand the content discovery and “What to Watch” features introduced in previous updates. This is what Roku’s Preston Smalley, Vice President of Consumer Product, had to say:

At the time of writing, there isn’t an exact release date, but Roku confirmed that the update is rolling out over “the coming months.”

New Roku OS 11.5 Features You Need to Try

Roku is bringing many new features and improvements that you should check out along with the new software update. Here are the ones we’re most excited about:

1. What’s The Buzz?

The Buzz is a new feature on Roku’s Home Screen that may help you find the next show you want to watch. As Roku describes it, “The Buzz” will feature short videos from partner providers.

At the time of writing, announced partners include AMC+, Apple TV, BET+, Crackle, Hallmark Movies Now, IGN, Plex, Popcornflix, Showtime, Starz, The CW, Tubi, Vevo, and Wondrium. Other streaming channels and entertainment brands may join, according to Roku.

2. Pick Up Where You Left Off

You may appreciate the new cross-channel “Continue Watching” feature that will join the Home Screen UI if you watch content from multiple channels.

The “Continue Watching” feature will be limited to four partner channels, including the Roku Channel, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+. If you happen to watch those channels, you may enjoy improved convenience. If not, Roku announced it is working on integrating more partner channels.

3. Platform-Wide Save List

If you wish you had a more unified “watch list” covering all your channels, the OS 11.5 update might inch you a little closer to that goal. Roku announced a platform-wide save feature. You may save movies or shows to stream later.

You can save recommendations on the go using the Roku app on your phone to stream later through your streaming device. Roku previously launched a save list through The Roku Channel and the mobile app. This platform-wide update would expand that capability.

The live TV channel guide’s navigation also receives an updated UI. You probably notice new on-screen visuals that help you choose the right results if you use voice search.

For example, if you use voice search to find a show, the on-screen visuals also include which Roku channels currently stream that show. You may also use a voice command to select the channel and watch the show.

5. Live Channel Navigation

The live TV channels will have an updated look that is easier to browse. In addition, if you connect an antenna to your device, you will soon get a combined program guide, including both local broadcast channels and live streaming Roku channels, according to Roku’s support page.

This function builds on Roku’s local channels you can access to stream news, weather, and local-interest programming.

6. Roku Store Changes

The updated Home Screen will also include a revamped version of the Roku Store, where you may add free or subscription channels. Roku also announced plans to add Roku Store to mobile apps.

7. Expanded Private Bluetooth Listening

If you have one Roku remote with a headphone jack, you can already enjoy private listening using wired headphones. Roku announced that private listening would be available for Bluetooth headphones for wireless private listening. Well, if you have one of the supported Bluetooth-compatible Roku devices, that is.

This feature is available if you use a new Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, or Roku Streambar Pro. If this applies, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones through the “Sound Setting” menu on your Roku.

If you don’t have one of the supported Bluetooth Roku devices, you can still continue to enjoy Bluetooth private listening using the mobile app, which is one of the best Roku features you’re probably not using.

What Devices Support Roku OS 11.5?

According to Roku, the following supported devices will receive the OS 11.5 update:

All Roku TV models. Roku streaming players and Streambars: 9102X, 9101X, 9100X, 4802X, 4801X, 4800X, 4670X, 4662X, 4661X, 4660X, 4640X, 4630X, 4620X, 4400X, 4230X, 4210X, 4200X, 3960X, 3941X, 3940X, 3931X, 3930X, 3921X, 3920X, 3910X, 3900X, 3821X, 3820X, 3811X, 3810X, 3800X, 3710X, 3700X, and 3600X.

Will This Update Improve Your Streaming Experience?

If you want a streaming experience that better integrates your watch list and activity across streaming channels, the 11.5 OS may bring you closer to that vision.

Some of these planned updates may seem familiar since they are platform-wide expansions on features already introduced on mobile. Other features are similar to functions already offered by similar platforms.

While waiting to see what the next few months will bring, this may be a great time to refresh yourself with a few tips and hacks for making the most of your Roku’s current OS.