Roku has launched a new skill for Amazon Alexa, allowing owners of Roku streaming players and TVs in the US to control these devices using Alexa-enabled voice controls.
The move makes Roku compatible with Alexa devices – including the Amazon Echo, Echo Show, Echo Dot – giving viewers more choice over how they control their Roku devices.
Roku users with Alexa devices can now use voice commands to search for entertainment, launch streaming channels or pause content.
Roku TV customers can also use Alexa to turn on the TV, change the volume or mute the TV, switch inputs and change channels if there is an antenna connected.
“Consumers often have multiple voice ecosystems in their homes. By allowing our customers to choose Alexa, in addition to Roku voice search and controls, and other popular voice assistants; we are strengthening the value Roku offers as a neutral platform in home entertainment,” said Ilya Asnis, Roku’s senior vice president of Roku OS.
To get started, customers should open the Alexa app, enable the Roku skill and link their account. The Alexa compatibility will work for US Roku customers with devices running Roku OS 8.1 and above.
