I don’t use these functions as much since I mostly watch YouTube and Netflix on my TV, but it’s still nice to have it there. However, you can also use it to jump between Channels (apps/inputs) on Roku and browse free content on the service. This is a really useful feature that makes it easy to watch content quietly, and up to four phones can take advantage of the functionality at the same time.īeyond this, the app functions normally as a remote. This enables ‘private listening,’ which plays TV audio back through your smartphone’s speaker or headphones connected to your smartphone. The other thing worth noting is there’s a small headphone button underneath the D-pad.

All three versions of the keyboard implementation work fine, but Roku’s is the most straightforward and is the least likely to confuse people because of this. It’s nice to see Roku use a keyboard button instead of having it automatically pop up like it does on Android and iOS. Along the top of the screen, you’ll notice that you can quickly pull the remote’s settings, a keyboard for typing, and a search button for finding content on your Roku device. What You’ll needīeyond navigating and selecting content, the Roku app includes several useful features. Once you get into the app, you’re greeted with a layout that looks pretty much identical to whatever Roku remote came with your TV (or set-top box). Further, now that the iPhone is smart enough to recommend the Roku app as soon as I pull down system search, it’s far more convenient. That said, I often use the Roku remote app when watching content between 10-12pm when I need to be a little quieter.

The only real downside is that it’s an app instead of built into your smartphone like the iOS’ and Android’s respective remotes are. Still, in terms of usability and functionality, its offering eclipses what the other virtual remotes are capable of.

Roku could stand to learn a thing or two about modern visual design from Apple and Android.

Roku remote control app