If you own a Roku device and haven’t yet discovered the world of streaming apps and channels, you may be missing out on a ton of awesome stuff. For example, did you know that the Roku channel store offers a lot more than just the standard offerings of Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Instant Video? The channel store has several games, newspapers, magazines, and more, all free of charge.
Use A VPN To Unblock Geo-Restrictions
Geo-blocking is a practice that prevents access to content based on the geographic location of the user. Geo-blocking can be used to block content for people who are not in a specific country, state, region, or city. It’s also used to make content available for users in particular locations like region-specific streaming or viewing rights for shows, movies, and sports games. VPNs are widely used for unblocking Netflix and other geo-restricted content, but they also have many different uses.
Users should be aware that these devices will only allow them to unblock geo-restrictions if they use a VPN that supports them. Although there are plenty of options available, NordVPN supports many devices and operating systems, including Roku. Once you have set it up to fool your ISP into thinking that you are in another country, you will be able to gain access to a wealth of shows not commonly shown in your region (or watch your favorite shows while you are abroad).
When You Lose Your Remote, You Can Still Use Your Smartphone!
Losing a remote control is one of the unwritten features of owning a device like this. Down the back of the sofa or your dog buried it in the backyard, whatever happened, it is frustrating and annoying. Nevertheless, you don’t need to worry as you can merely use your smartphone to take its place. All you need to do is download the Roku app from the app store that you use and follow the instructions to set it up. Once it has been set up correctly, you will have full access to your Roku without purchasing a new remote!
Use Voice Search
If you are a tidy person and could never fathom losing your remote, you can use the integrated voice recognition feature! With Roku, you can easily navigate between your channels using your voice, and setting it up is very easy. Simply press the voice search button on the Roku mobile app or Roku remote, speak what you’re seeking when prompted, and you will complete the search. When you ask Roku to search for a movie or actor (or director, etc.), you need to speak loudly and clearly. It is a fast and efficient method to find what you are looking for without the complication of typing on a TV which can be a frustrating experience at best.
Get Access To Free Movies And Shows
There may be times when you don’t feel like spending money on entertainment for the evening, and you want to save some money. IN this case, you can simply use Roku to search for free options (which tend to be better than you might expect). Roku even has a special section for this purpose. From the Home screen, select Featured Free to filter through tons of free movies, classic shows, and current episodes of shows. There’ll be something for everyone, and you won’t have to spend a penny.
You Can Mirror Your Phone Screen
The Roku Control Center allows you to mirror the screen of an iPhone or iPad via AirPlay, though most Android and Windows devices also support screen mirroring. The advantage of mirroring your phone on screen is that you can make use of the additional features that come with your phone. For example, you may want to view personal images and videos. You can even use screen mirroring to watch movies and TV from Apple + or Google Play Movies & TV.
Watch Big, Listen Small!
Sometimes, you want to watch your favorite TV show on the big screen, but you don’t want to wake up your family. If this has happened to you before, you can actually use a little-known feature in the Roku remote. If you look on the side, you will see an auxiliary line-in port where you can plug in your earphones. You can make use of this feature to watch your shoes as they should be, without disturbing anyone else.
From using a VPN to unblock content to watching a myriad of free shows completely legally, there are many things you can do with a Roku. Hopefully, some of the tips in this post gave you some ideas and inspiration to find out more.
