Roku has unveiled the Roku Voice Remote Pro, its latest remote featuring voice command support and a dedicated Apple TV+ button. This is the first remote to hit the market to feature a dedicated button for launching the Apple TV+ app.
Apart from Apple TV+, the Roku Voice Remote Pro also features dedicated buttons to launch Netflix, Disney+, and the Hulu app.
Roku's First Remote to Feature Voice Command Support
The Voice Remote Pro is the first Roku remote to feature voice command detection. It features mid-field microphones that are meant to pick up the "Hey Roku" hotword.
If you are uncomfortable with the always-on hotword detection feature, the remote features a slider on the right via which you can turn this feature off. You can still trigger voice commands by long-pressing the microphone button and then saying the voice command.
Some supported voice commands include "Hey Roku, launch Netflix" or "Hey Roku, open Hulu." You can also use voice commands to "search for action movies" or movies from a specific actor or genre. Using voice commands, you can even turn on your Roku TV, though it requires the Fast TV Start feature to be enabled on your Roku streaming device.
The remote also features find my remote functionality if you misplace it or drop it in the abyss of your sofa. Shouting "Hey Roku, find my remote" will then lead to the remote making a sound so that you can easily find it.
The Remote Features Two Customizable Buttons and a 3.5mm Jack
Other highlights of the Voice Remote Pro include two customizable buttons numbered "1" and "2." There's a 3.5mm headphone jack as well, so you can plug in your wired earphones or headphones while watching content if you don't want to disturb other people around you.
The Apple TV+ button will be available on the remotes that Roku is bundling with the Roku Express 4K and Streambar Pro as well.
The remote features a built-in rechargeable battery, though it features the older microUSB port for charging purposes, and it can take up to two to three hours to charge fully. On the positive side, the battery is good enough to last for two months on a single charge.
Before its launch today, Roku was looking for user feedback about the Voice Remote Pro from a limited set of beta testers in February.
Roku Voice Pro Price and Availability
The Roku Voice Pro can be ordered from Roku's website. It will also be available in retail stores starting May. It is priced at $29.99 in the US.
The Roku Voice Pro remote will be compatible with all models of Roku TV, Roku soundbars, and players that have been released since 2017.