Current-generation Roku streaming devices and Roku TVs can now be controlled by Amazon’s Alexa, if you have a compatible Alexa device, like the Echo or Dot. Google Assistant was added to the platform in 2018. Unfortunately for Netflix fans, neither A. I. can directly access Netflix content on a Roku.
Starting now, Roku users who are used to getting Amazon’s Alexa to do their bidding can now get the voice assistant to control their Roku streaming devices, or Roku TVs via the new Roku Skill. Alexa joins Google Assistant as the second major voice platform that can control a Roku, in addition to Roku’s own proprietary voice command system available on select Roku devices. Both require a current-generation Roku device or Roku TV. For now, they are only available to U. S.-based users.
According to the company’s press release, “Roku users with Alexa-enabled devices — including Amazon Echo, Echo Show, Echo Dot, Echo Spot and Echo Plus — can pause a show, launch a streaming channel, and search for entertainment by simply saying things like, ‘Alexa, find comedies on Roku,’ ‘Alexa, pause Roku’ or ‘Alexa, open Hulu on Roku.
