Roku is rolling out the OS 11.5 software updates in the coming months. Here are seven features we can't wait to try.

On September 12, 2022, Roku announced plans to release OS 11.5 with new or expanded features. This anticipated update will add more personalized features, make it easier to find new shows, and may help you manage your streaming cross-channel. The update is rolling out over the next few months.

Roku announced Roku OS 11.5, a software update that, according to Roku's press release, will expand the content discovery and "What to Watch" features introduced in previous updates. This is what Roku's Preston Smalley, Vice President of Consumer Product, had to say:

“We are in the golden age of streaming with more great shows and movies releasing than ever before, which at times we know can be overwhelming. By personalizing the way our customers connect with the content they love and offering more ways to discover and access new content to stream or save for later, our users have more tools than ever to watch what they want to with ease.”

At the time of writing, there isn't an exact release date, but Roku confirmed that the update is rolling out over "the coming months."

Roku is bringing many new features and improvements that you should check out along with the new software update. Here are the ones we're most excited about:

The Buzz is a new feature on Roku's Home Screen that may help you find the next show you want to watch. As Roku describes it, “The Buzz” will feature short videos from partner providers.

At the time of writing, announced partners include AMC+, Apple TV, BET+, Crackle, Hallmark Movies Now, IGN, Plex, Popcornflix, Showtime, Starz, The CW, Tubi, Vevo, and Wondrium. Other streaming channels and entertainment brands may join, according to Roku.

You may appreciate the new cross-channel “Continue Watching” feature that will join the Home Screen UI if you watch content from multiple channels.

The "Continue Watching" feature will be limited to four partner channels, including the Roku Channel, HBO Max, Netflix, and Paramount+. If you happen to watch those channels, you may enjoy improved convenience. If not, Roku announced it is working on integrating more partner channels.

If you wish you had a more unified “watch list” covering all your channels, the OS 11.5 update might inch you a little closer to that goal. Roku announced a platform-wide save feature. You may save movies or shows to stream later.

You can save recommendations on the go using the Roku app on your phone to stream later through your streaming device. Roku previously launched a save list through The Roku Channel and the mobile app. This platform-wide update would expand that capability.

The live TV channel guide's navigation also receives an updated UI. You probably notice new on-screen visuals that help you choose the right results if you use voice search.

For example, if you use voice search to find a show, the on-screen visuals also include which Roku channels currently stream that show. You may also use a voice command to select the channel and watch the show.

The live TV channels will have an updated look that is easier to browse. In addition, if you connect an antenna to your device, you will soon get a combined program guide, including both local broadcast channels and live streaming Roku channels, according to Roku's support page.

This function builds on Roku's local channels you can access to stream news, weather, and local-interest programming.

The updated Home Screen will also include a revamped version of the Roku Store, where you may add free or subscription channels. Roku also announced plans to add Roku Store to mobile apps.

If you have one Roku remote with a headphone jack, you can already enjoy private listening using wired headphones. Roku announced that private listening would be available for Bluetooth headphones for wireless private listening. Well, if you have one of the supported Bluetooth-compatible Roku devices, that is.

This feature is available if you use a new Roku Ultra, Roku Streambar, or Roku Streambar Pro. If this applies, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones through the “Sound Setting” menu on your Roku.

If you don’t have one of the supported Bluetooth Roku devices, you can still continue to enjoy Bluetooth private listening using the mobile app, which is one of the best Roku features you're probably not using.

According to Roku, the following supported devices will receive the OS 11.5 update:

If you want a streaming experience that better integrates your watch list and activity across streaming channels, the 11.5 OS may bring you closer to that vision.

Some of these planned updates may seem familiar since they are platform-wide expansions on features already introduced on mobile. Other features are similar to functions already offered by similar platforms.

While waiting to see what the next few months will bring, this may be a great time to refresh yourself with a few tips and hacks for making the most of your Roku’s current OS.

Samantha is fascinated by the power of technology to make our lives better. She is a freelance writer with over five years of experience covering topics like lifestyle tech.

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