The new mic enables the ability to simply say 'Hey Roku, find my remote' to make the clicker beep from wherever it is: That's a game-changer for anyone constantly scouring the couch cushions. In typical Roku fashion, it largely keeps the same look and feel of the company's other remotes, but the $30 accessory has some big under-the-hood improvements - most notably a mid-field mic for voice control and a rechargeable battery.īoth of these features are great additions on paper. Roku's Voice Remote Pro is the company's biggest update in years to its controller. Whereas interface and features were close, I like the Roku Voice Remote Pro a lot more than Apple's new remote. But Siri and the picture adjusting tools give Apple the edge.

Roku's addition of AirPlay to older TVs and boxes back with Roku OS 10 and Apple's rollout of TVOS 15 recent examples that both still care about their users even years after they purchase the devices.Īs with the interface, the differences here are small. Unlike with Roku, you can also ask Siri questions like 'When is the next Yankees game?' or 'What are the NBA standings?' and 'What's the weather?' Not game-changing features, but nice to have nonetheless.īoth companies get points for supporting their devices with constant software updates. It's quick and responsive when asking to play movies like Avengers Endgame and even knows to go right into Disney Plus (so long as you have the app installed). Next, Apple wins for voice because Siri is a lot better than Roku's unnamed voice assistant. By comparison, the Roku only enables two audio-only connections at once. The Apple device also enables the connection of four simultaneous Bluetooth controllers for intense couch-based gaming. While Arcade is great, if you're a gamer it's the Apple TV's inclusion of the Steam Link app which gives it an edge over the Roku by enabling you to stream PC games to your TV. The calibration feature for adjusting your TV's picture quality via an iPhone is a nice, clever bonus.

App support, notwithstanding Roku's spat with YouTube TV, is similarly comprehensive between the two, although the Apple TV integrates other Apple services including Apple Music, Arcade and Fitness Plus that Roku lacks.

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