Roku OS 8.1 Is Being Released Slowly



Roku Has Slowly Started Updating Roku Players and TVs All Over the World to OS 8.1


On May 1, Roku announced a new OS software update to their operating system. This is the software that powers Roku media streamers and Roku Televisions


Roku OS 8.1 Update is On the Way!



This new software will feature a number of performance enhancements and other fixes that should make using your Roku even better.

As with any update, don't expect to receive this all at once. When Roku releases new software it starts as a trickle rather than a flood. This is so if there are any other reported issues they may have missed during beta testing they can stop and corrected them versus annoying the entire  customer base.

Roku OS 8.1 started rolling out May 1, 2018 and over the next few weeks it should arrive on everyone's devices. Not every device will get the same updates. Some features may only apply to Roku TVs and not to their stand alone players or Streaming Sticks.

Here are all the supported devices that will be eligible to receive the new Roku OS 8.1 Update


All Roku TV Models

The Following Roku Players and Sticks:

Roku Streaming Players  – 4660X, 4640X, 4630X, 4620X, 4400X, 4230X, 4210X, 4200X, 3910X, 3900X, 3810X, 3800X, 3710X, 3700X, 3600X, 3500X, 3420X, 3400X, 3100X, 3050X, 3000X, 2720X, 2710X, 2700X, 2500X, 2450X, 2400X

Important Roku OS 8.1 New Features


Here is What Roku OS 8.1 Will Have To Offer

1. Private Listening Updated - There is now a new feature when using mobile devices that let you listen on multiple devices at the same time.  With this new update up to 4 users can connect and use their mobile devices to listen to a show or movie with their headphones on their mobile device.

This is actually pretty cool, because now a couple family members can watch a movie in private without waking the rest of the house.

Or if their is a zombie apocalypse, you can still enjoy your favorite TV shows without alerting the zombies to your presence.

Note: this feature will Not Work if a user has plugged headphones into a Roku remote. Here is more information from Roku on Multiple User Private Listening and if your device will be compatible.


2. Streaming Stick + UK Users will Receive Updated Voice Search - Now if you live in the UK you can use you voice by holding down the search button on your Streaming Stick + Roku Remote.

Use voice commands like  "Launch Netflix", "Show Me Thrillers" or even search by actors names, director's names and more.

If you own a Roku that does not support voice commands, you can still download the Roku mobile app for Android or Apple iOS and use it that way from your mobile devices. Learn more about the Roku Mobile app here.

3. More Live News Channels Added to The Roku Channel - Read more about this here.


Additional OS 8.1 Enhancements


  • Roku TVs will receive support for DTS Passthrough form HDMI inputs to AV receivers and soundbars.
  • Audio setting options for Roku TV models will be simpler to use and now "S/PDIF and ARC" can be fully controlled right from the Settings/ Audio Menu.
  • If using an OTA antenna with your Roku TV, now you can enter your ZIP code so that the guide shows channel info and data for your particular location. Once you receive the OS 8.1 update, you can add your own ZIP code to your Roku TV by going into Settings/System/ZIP Code.
  • Some Blu-Ray players would cause screen jitters every once in a while when connected to Roku 4K TVs. This latest update fixes this as well.



How Can You Check For Roku Updates?


If you ever had to wait somewhere like at the DMV where the little machine had numbers and you had to grab a tag and wait for your number to be called, waiting for your Roku to get updated is kind of like the same thing.

So be patient, eventually your Roku serial number will be called and your device will receive the update. This usually happens after midnight when you are fast asleep and not watching your Roku.

To manually check, you can go to Settings/System/Check for Updates and see if your number has been called.







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