As the Google Assistant marches on in its quest to be everywhere on everything, the next brand to assimilate offer support is Roku with its streaming devices. Depending on which model Roku that you own, you'll soon be able to add the device as a Home Control service in the Google Home app. Join us after the break to find out how.
For the moment, at least, the Google Assistant is only available on Roku devices running Roku OS v8.1 in the US. Another limitation is the Google Assistant doesn't currently support launching Netflix content on the Roku, although you will be able to search for movies and TV shows, control media playback on other streaming services. If you have a Roku TV, you'll also be able to power the unit on and off, control the volume and even switch inputs.
Some examples of the type of commands you can use with the Google Assistant on your compatible Roku unit:
- Hey Google, launch The Roku Channel on Roku
- Hey Google, find documentaries on Roku
- Hey Google, show me comedies on Roku
- Hey Google, pause on Roku
You can check the models listed below to see if your particular Roku streaming stick, box, or TV will get Google Assistant integration:
- Roku Express (3700X, 3900X)
- Roku Express+ (3710X, 3910X)
- Roku Streaming Stick (3600X, 3800X)
- Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810X)
- Roku 2 (4210X)
- Roku 3 (4200X, 4230X)
- Roku 4 (4400X)
- Roku Premiere (3920X,4620X)
- Roku Premiere+ (3921X,4630X)
- Roku Ultra (4640X, 4660X, 4661X)
If you have a Roku account and a compatible Roku streaming device or TV running Roku OS 8.1, the following steps will show you how to set up Google Assistant:
- Open the Home app and select Add
- Select Set up Device
- Tap on Works with Google
- Scroll down and tap on the Roku listing
- Sign in with your Roku account details
- Choose which Roku device you want to control
That's it; you are all set up to use Google Assistant to control your Roku streaming stick or TV! Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
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