Three important Roku-related stories from our pals at CordCutters.com:
- Google Assistant, OS 8.2 and OS 9 coming to Roku devices
- Roku Wireless Speakers now expected to ship in November
- Roku Premiere and Roku Premiere+ join a new Roku Ultra headphone bundle
First up: Google Assistant is coming to Roku devices. You'll presumably connect your Roku account through the Google Home app. Once that's done, if you've got a Roku Streaming box, like Roku Ultra or the Roku Streaming Stick — or the just-announced Roku Premiere seres — you'll be able to pause and search for content, or launch channels. Or if you have a Roku-powered TV, you'll be able to turn it off and on, change the volume, switch inputs, or change channels if you have an OTA antenna attached.
Additionally, OS 8.2 is on its way to Roku TVs starting in November. (The new Roku Wireless Speakers won't ship before then). It includes things like support for "speech clarity" and Spotify. And Roku streaming players will begin getting an update to OS 9, which brings better voice control for free content through Roku's own channels.
The OS updates are pushing the Roku Wireless Speakers — meant for Roku-powered TVs — back a few weeks to November.
And, finally, there are two new Roku devices on the way in October. Roku Premiere brings a 4K option for just $39. (Roku Premiere+ adds a voice remote and is exclusive to Walmart.)
