Roku has updated its guide in the U.S. so that customers can search for content across several of the leading over-the-top sources.
Most, if not all, of the guide companies have the capability to provide that kind of search, but the issue is whether their customers – all of the various service providers – want to implement it in the way Roku has. It isn’t necessarily in the business plans of all service providers to highlight results from competing content providers.
Roku’s new search facility allows its customers to search movies, TV shows, actors and directors across Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vudu and HBO Go.
“Roku Search shows you where it’s available on the Roku platform. Simply select a channel, and Roku Search will take you straight to your desired movie or show,” according to Roku director of product marketing Tom Markworth on Roku’s blog, where the company tends to make its major announcements.
The company will automatically push a software update to installed Roku players. Roku Search works with Roku 2, Roku LT, new Roku HD players and the Roku Streaming Stick. Roku box owners using the iOS or Android apps on their smartphones will be able to enter search strings on their second-screen devices.
