You will not want Roku’s new Streaming Stick 4K to reap the benefits of its newest software program options. The Roku OS 10.5 replace, which is able to roll out to gamers and TVs within the subsequent few weeks, will likely be jam-packed with options to make your streaming life simpler. There’s expanded Roku Voice help, which is able to allow you to ask gamers (with supported remotes) to begin enjoying content material from Netflix, Spotify and most different channels. And the corporate has added a Live TV Channel Guide to assist discover free TV content material (to this point there are greater than 200 dwell channels to sift by).

But extra importantly for the Roku trustworthy, there are much more configurations for the corporate’s wi-fi audio system. Roku OS 10.5 will allow you to use any of the corporate’s soundbars — the Streambar, Streambar Pro and Smart Soundbar — as a middle channel flanked by Roku wi-fi audio system. Put that setup along with two extra rear audio system and a wi-fi sub, and voila, you’ve got bought a full-fledged 5.1 encompass answer. Previously, you have been solely in a position to make use of Roku’s soundbars as your entire entrance channels (left, proper and middle).

From what I recall of Roku’s earlier encompass answer, it sounded greater than enough for a small room. I have not heard the corporate’s 5.1 setup but, however typically having extra audio system is at all times higher. At the very least, you possibly can count on clearer dialog and higher entrance channel separation. I can not say if it is value shelling out as much as $630 for all of Roku’s audio system ($300 for 4 wi-fi audio system, $180 for the StreamBar Pro, and $150 for the wi-fi subwoofer), but it surely’s good to have the flexibleness to construct out a full system in the event you’ve already invested in a couple of of them.

Roku OS 10.5 will even add some audio enhancements for headphones. When you join a wi-fi headset to the Roku cell app, it’s going to alter your sync settings primarily based on the kind of headphone you are utilizing. You’ll additionally be capable of use your smartphone digital camera to regulate the audio delay even additional. That’s a helpful characteristic for anybody utilizing Bluetooth headphones, the place audio delay points are pretty widespread.

To coincide with expanded Spotify voice help, Roku can also be including a brand new music and podcasts row to its system search. You’ll be capable of see outcomes from Spotify’s complete library, however extra importantly it opens the door for higher audio app help on Roku OS.