To use voice search on Roku, your device must have version 8.2 or newer. Compatible devices include certain remotes and the Roku mobile app. There are different ways to issue voice commands using the mobile app. If you’re using a Roku remote, it needs to have a microphone or search icon to use voice commands.
To find movies, TV shows, and other content, you can use voice commands such as “Play [movie name] on [channel/streaming app].” If a specific channel is not specified, a list of results will be displayed. Certain channels like Hulu or Netflix will start the video immediately with voice search.
It’s important to check the Roku official support page for compatible channels and apps. Roku devices with version 9.1 or newer in the US have support for voice search. However, Canada does not have support for Direct Playback. Additionally, Roku devices can be linked to Alexa for voice control.
To set up Alexa with Roku, follow the provided steps. Roku sticks can take commands from Alexa, and Roku smart TVs can be controlled through Alexa as well. However, smart TVs require the Fast TV Start function to turn on Roku devices with Alexa. Keep in mind that Roku TV sticks cannot search for individual episodes from a TV series.
Overall, Roku’s built-in voice search offers more commands compared to using an Echo device.
Key Points:
- Voice search on Roku requires version 8.2 or newer and compatible devices.
- Voice commands can be issued using certain remotes and the Roku mobile app.
- Voice commands can be used to find movies, TV shows, and other content.
- Specific channels can be specified, but if not, a list of results will be displayed.
- Certain channels like Hulu or Netflix will start the video immediately with voice search.
- Roku devices in the US (version 9.1 or newer) have support for voice search, but Canada does not have support for Direct Playback.
Compatibility And Requirements For Voice Search On Roku
To use voice search on Roku, it is important to ensure that your Roku device has version 8.2 or newer. Compatible devices for voice search include certain Roku remotes and the Roku mobile app.
One important requirement is that the Roku remote must have a microphone or a search icon in order to issue voice commands. This allows you to easily interact with the Roku device using your voice.
It is worth noting that some older Roku remotes may not have this functionality, so it is advisable to check the remote specifications before attempting to use voice search.
For those using the Roku mobile app, there are different ways to issue voice commands. Users can simply tap on the voice search icon within the app and speak their desired commands, or they can use the voice search button on their mobile device’s keyboard to enter voice-based queries.
This provides convenience for users who prefer to control their Roku device using their smartphone or tablet.
Using Voice Search With Roku Remotes And Mobile App
When using voice search with a Roku remote, it is important to have a compatible remote with a microphone or search icon. This allows you to easily activate voice recognition and issue voice commands.
Once activated, you can simply speak the name of the movie, TV show, or even certain channels or streaming apps, and the Roku device will search for relevant content.
If you are unsure about the specific channel or app you want to access, you can simply use a voice command such as “Find movies” or “Search for TV shows,” and Roku will display a list of results for you to choose from. If you want to play a specific movie on a specific channel or streaming app, you can use the command “Play [movie name] on [channel/streaming app]” to initiate the search.
It is important to note that certain channels like Hulu or Netflix have a direct playback feature, which means that they can start playing the video immediately after issuing a voice search command, without showing a list of results. This can be especially convenient for users who frequently use these channels.
For users in the United States with Roku devices running version 9.1 or newer, voice search is supported. However, it is worth mentioning that in Canada, there is currently no support for the Direct Playback feature on Roku devices.
Integrating Alexa With Roku For Voice Control
In addition to using the Roku remote or mobile app, you can also integrate your Roku device with Alexa for voice control. This allows you to control your Roku device using voice commands through an Alexa-enabled device such as the Amazon Echo.
To set up Alexa with your Roku device, you will first need to ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then, you can enable the Roku skill on the Alexa app and link it to your Roku account.
Once linked, you can use various voice commands to control your Roku device.
Roku sticks can take a wide range of voice commands from Alexa, including commands to play specific content, pause or resume playback, navigate through menus, and adjust the volume. This integration provides users with an alternative option for controlling their Roku device, especially if they already have an Alexa-enabled device.
For Roku smart TVs, it is possible to control them through Alexa as well. However, one important requirement is that the Fast TV Start function needs to be enabled on the Roku smart TV.
This allows the TV to quickly turn on the Roku device when commanded through Alexa, enabling seamless voice control.
It is worth noting that while Roku TV sticks and boxes support voice search for movies, TV shows, and general content, they may not have the ability to search for individual episodes from a TV series. This functionality may be limited to certain Roku models or may be expanded in future updates.
Overall, the built-in voice search feature on Roku devices offers a comprehensive range of commands and functionality, allowing users to easily navigate and discover content. The integration with Alexa provides an additional level of convenience for Roku users who prefer using voice commands to control their devices.
