For in all probability essentially the most half, we’re followers of Roku’s nice, intuitive remotes, and considerably these which have voice capabilities.
Nevertheless there’s a sticking stage—or 4 of them, actually—in relation to the Roku distant: the quartet of buttons on the bottom stamped with the logos of well-liked streaming corporations.
What are Roku ‘quick shortcut’ buttons?
These so-called “quick shortcut” buttons let you bounce to streamers equal to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video with a single button push—helpful, within the occasion you happen to subscribe to those corporations.
The reality is that almost all of us aren’t subscribed to 4 streamers instantly, or if we’re, they aren’t basically the businesses slapped on these quick shortcut buttons (and certain, streamers do pay Roku for the privilege of getting their logos on the shortcuts).
In any case, let’s decrease to the chase: No, chances are you’ll’t reprogram Roku’s quick shortcut buttons your self. You could disable them, so long as you’re cozy getting a screwdriver and bodily prying the distant open, nonetheless chances are you’ll’t in another case change their efficiency.
What are Roku ‘non-public shortcut’ buttons?
That talked about, Roku does present some remotes that embody “non-public” shortcuts: a pair of buttons which you’ll be able to program your self.
The two non-public shortcut buttons sit merely above the quick shortcut buttons, they normally’re stamped with a “1” and “2.” These programmable shortcuts principally let you file any voice command—along with, say, “Open HBO Max”—which you can execute later by pressing one button or the alternative.
Among the many many Roku remotes with programmable non-public shortcuts is the Roku Voice Distant Skilled, along with the Enhanced Voice Distant and the Roku Contact tabletop distant. (The latter two remotes at the moment are not accessible for separate purchase.)
In case your distant doesn’t have the non-public shortcuts, chances are you’ll always buy a Roku distant that does, nonetheless it could worth you: the Roku Voice Distant Skilled, as an illustration, sells for $30, the an identical as some Roku players. Positive, ouch, nonetheless a minimal of the Voice Distant Skilled has some attractive perks, along with a rechargeable battery, a headphone jack, and a voice-enabled lost-remote finder.
So, ready to begin out programming your Roku distant’s non-public shortcuts? Let’s get started.
- Time to complete: 5 minutes
- Devices required: Roku Voice Distant Skilled, Roku Enhanced Voice Distant, or Roku Contact tabletop distant
- Provides required: None
- Worth: $0
1.
Say a voice command
Ben Patterson/Foundry
First (assuming you’ve got bought a supported Roku distant), press the microphone button on the distant and say a voice command. It might probably be one thing from “open Pandora” to “launch Paramount+” to “current me comedies” and “seek for thriller movies.” Within the occasion you’re proper right here, though, you probably have to program a shortcut to a streaming service.
2.
Await a second
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Subsequent, wait in your Roku participant to run the voice command.
3.
Assign the command to a personal shortcut button
Ben Patterson/Foundry
Lastly, press and preserve the non-public shortcut button to which you’d choose to assign the command. If all goes properly, you’ll hear a tone after holding the button for only a few seconds.
Have to reprogram a button? Merely return to step one, then rinse and repeat.
