Roku 4.0 update for Android and iOS intros a new UI

Roku announced and launched Roku 4.0 for iOS and Android on Tuesday. The app offers a fresh user interface with easier-to-access functions and a brand new “What’s on” feature.

Roku 4.0 features a brand new navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. This is where users can now head to quickly find things like the remote control, the list of installed apps on their Roku and the “What’s on” function, photos and settings.

“What’s on” shows users what movies and TV shows are available to watch on Roku, without requiring the user to dig through each third-party app to discover the content. It’s kind of like what Apple is trying to do with its new Apple TV app. Also, Roku said once you launch an application, the remote will automatically appear, removing one more step from the process of navigation.

Revamped remote

Finally, Roku revamped the remote to make it easier to use. It said it moved some buttons closer together, for example, and said the software remote now acts and looks a lot more like the actual hardware controller. There’s also a new Channels icon shortcut for quickly jumping right into apps.

Roku 4.0 should be available in the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store now.