Roku unveils whole home entertainment licensing programme

Roku unveiled a new whole home entertainment licensing programme that will enable OEM brands to build soundbars and smart speakers, surround sound and multi-room audio systems that use Roku Connect software to work together as a home entertainment network. Roku also announced plans to develop and launch a voice assistant, the Roku Entertainment Assistant, that is optimised for home entertainment.

With Roku Connect devices working together, customers will be able to connect wirelessly and be controlled by voice commands and a single remote. In addition, OEM brands will be able to license smart soundbar and smart speaker hardware reference designs along with the Roku operating system, Roku OS. TCL is Roku's lead OEM partner and will announce its plans to offer the first device under the new programme at its press conference at CES on 8 January.

Roku Entertainment Assistant is optimised for home entertainment. Along with Roku Connect, it's expected to be rolled out as a free software update to the Roku OS by this fall to most Roku TV models and Roku players. When launched, the Roku Entertainment Assistant will enable consumers to use voice commands to enjoy entertainment on voice-supported Roku devices. For example, customers will be able to say, “Hey Roku, play jazz in the living room” and a smart soundbar with Roku Connect will begin playing music – even if the TV is turned off.