Roku seems to be working on a new remote with a rechargeable Li-ion battery. In a Reddit post viewed by The flowable (via Zats Not Funny), someone in the company’s Early Access program shared an ad featuring the Roku Voice Remote Pro. In addition to a rechargeable battery and a microphone for voice commands, the $ 30 accessory includes a feature to find the device when it’s lost, a private audio connection, and customizable shortcuts. The last bit is especially exciting, as far too many remote controls, including the older ones from Roku, come with predefined shortcuts.
“We are always working to offer new products and features to Roku users, and part of the process is to test new ideas with a small set of our customers in public,” a Roku spokesman said. . The flowable when the website contacts to request the ad. The Reddit thread also contains comments from people who had a chance to test the device. “It’s easily the best remote control Roku has ever offered,” said Redd user Gnascher. “It contains all the features of the other top-level remote controls, while also adding ‘Hey Roku’ style control (which in my experience works well) and a built-in battery.”
There is still no word on when (or if) Roku intends to introduce the Voice Remote Pro to the public. The ‘release date’ on February 19 that appears in the ad apparently only applied to those in the Early Access program.