Roku's App Now Supports OS 8 Features Including OTA Search Results

Roku recently announced multiple new devices as well as Roku OS 8, the latest version of the company's media box firmware. That new operating system will be released soon for certain Roku devices, and will later make its way to Roku smart TVs starting next month. Ahead of that release comes an update to both the Android and iOS Roku apps that brings support for Roku OS 8.

Both the Android and iOS apps have been updated to version 4.1.0. With this comes the new features found in Roku OS 8, including a mobile Roku Search that provides results including antenna TV. Antenna TV users also get access to the Mobile Private Listening mode via the app, though that is only available for Roku TV models (given that it is the OTA TV feature).

Of course, to use the over-the-air TV features, users must connect a TV antenna to their Roku smart TV. After doing so, and assuming you're within the coverage range, you'll be able to view your live local channels within the Roku Search results.

In addition to the new OS 8 support and OTA TV features, the app also brings some enhancements and some new voice features. These voice features, according to the iOS change log, allows Roku TV owners to control their television using voice controls, including ones for switching channels and toggling between inputs. This is done by tapping the in-app microphone icon.

Both Roku TV and Roku device owners have access to natural language search, enabling those users to search for content using natural language like "Show me movies with Tom Cruise" or "Launch Hulu." You can download the new apps via the links below. You can view the full Roku OS 8 release notes here.

SOURCE: Google Play, iTunes