Roku, digital media player, has added a program guide feature to its Roku Channel. The addition will simulate the linear TV watching experience, according to Deadline.
The on-screen program guide can show viewers up to 12 hours of programming information. The guide can be accessed through a branded Roku Tile, and while viewers search for shows, the program information will continue to play in the background, via Deadline. In addition, Roku added 30 new channels to the platform, including Bon Appetit for foodies, Bob Ross painting for the creatives, Outside TV for sports fanatics and Kids Bop for children’s sing-a-longs, via CNet. Among the categories of lifestyle, movies, sports and kids programming, live news is big sector of the added channels. With channels like ABC News Live, Cheddar and Reuters TV, Roku reported an 80% surge in viewing hours from April 2019, via Deadline.
Since 2017, the Roku Channel has been one of the most popular spots on the media player for the more than 40 million U.S. users. The Roku capability comes standard with a variety of Smart TVs which boosts subscriptions. And although most of the content is free and ad-supported, the presence of premium channels like Starz, BET+ and Acorn TV also increases interest in becoming a Roku user.
With more than 100,000 movies and TV episodes available through the channel, the on-screen guide will aid streamers in accessibility of Roku’s programming, effective June 1, via Deadline.