Earlier this month, we reported how Roku was testing a new home screen beta with folders, more icons, continue watching, and more thanks to tips from our readers.So exactly what do we know about this new home screen that Roku is testing out?
New Home Screen Layout
One of the features you will find on Roku’s home screen other than the new 4×4 look that now has more services on the home screen vs the old 3×3 layout. Now it will be easier to quickly see the apps on your home screen.
Roku’s New Continue Watching
Other than the 4×4 look for the new Roku Apps is a new continue watching row. This row will let you jump directly into shows you have been watching on supported devices like Disney+. You can also from there open a What to Watch section that will show shows you have been watching and suggest shows you should watch.
Foulders on The Home Screen
You will also find foulders for things like inputs on Roku TVs. Now, all of your inputs for different HDMI ports are located in a folder to keep them in one spot. No word yet on if you will be able to place apps in folders for example.
Apps Come to Roku
Roku has also finally embraced the term apps. In the past, Roku would call their apps Roku Channels. The store was called the Channel Store and more. Now Roku has finally ditched that idea and now calls applications for Netflix, YouTube TV, and more apps. This move will likely make Roku even more welcoming to new Roku owners who are used to apps on their phones.
Here is what the new home screen looks like on our Roku:
Here is what the old Roku home screen looked like:
As you can see the two are very similar, but now you get slightly smaller icons now in a 4×4 look instead of a 3×3 look. This allows you to easy see all the services you have on your Roku. As TVs get bigger, this new interface will help make it easy to find what you want.
Roku has confirmed to Cord Cutters News that they are testing designs on their platform. They declined to comment further than to say they are testing out new features. Now just because Roku is testing for example new 4×4 interface and folders does not mean it will be rolled out to all Roku owners in the future. It is a sign that Roku is considering all options when it comes to the future of Roku home screens.
Do you have this new user interface? Let us know what you think of it and any other features you have noticed.