Posted Wed May 15, 2013 at 08:30 AM PDT by Brian Hoss
Update brings the new Roku interface, redesigned channel store, and home screen themes.
With the launch of the Roku 3 back in March, Roku introduced a number of new UI changes and features. That new design, which includes a built-in a search tool, was promised to come to Roku 2 models. Roku has now fulfilled that promise.
While Roku has sent out a few test cases of model updates, starting today, owners of the Roku 2 XS (model 3100), Roku 2 XD (model 3050), Roku 2 HD (model 3000), Roku LT (models 2400 & 2450), Roku HD (model 2500) and the Roku Streaming Stick (models 3400 & 3420) can manually update their Rokus to version 5.0, build 804X. Earlier first generation Roku models are not part of the new UI update.
Even without manually updating, those eligible Roku 2 models will be receiving the update automatically over the next two weeks.
The new built-in search feature, which searches across channels for queried content, is available in the US only. The new UI design is more grid based than twin axis based, and makes browsing for new channels easier. Both the new search function and UI have been received positively on the Roku 3, but many may not enjoy the increased amount of advertising and promoting found around the new UI.
Both the top-of-the-line Roku 3 and the formely top-of-the-line Roku 2 XS are available from Amazon.
Source: Roku
Author: Brian Hoss
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