On April 8th, Roku rolled out its latest set-top box, known as the Roku 3. The little device made a splash with its new user interface and unique remote control that allows customers to plug in headphones for private listening, while still sitting back on the couch or moving around the home.
Now Roku's Tom Markworth announces that the popular new UI will start becoming available on older devices. "We’ve begun rolling out the new interface to supported Roku players as a free upgrade, and we know many of you have been waiting impatiently" Markworth states.
The latest version is 5.0, build 804X, and will be coming to Roku 2 XS (model 3100), Roku 2 XD (model 3050), Roku 2 HD (model 3000), Roku LT (models 2400 & 2450), Roku HD (model 2500) and the Roku Streaming Stick (models 3400 & 3420). The set-top box maker promises all customers will receive this within the next two weeks. However, users can force the update by heading to Settings > Software update > Check now. The new Search feature is available in the US only, so those in other markets shouldn't get their hopes up.
Earlier Roku models (not named above) will not receive the update, but the device is not expensive, so if you are using one that is incompatible, then it may be time to move on to a newer model.