First gen Roku players receive software update 3.1

If you happen to be in possession of the first generation Roku players, then here is a bit of good news to brighten up your mid-week – what has been described as “a pretty substantial update” will be making its way to the first generation of Roku players. For those of you out there who have no clue as to whether your Roku player is part of the first generation or not, just take a look at the device – if it is smaller than a hockey puck, then you would do well to apply this update when it arrives. As for Roku 2 and Roku LT players, those already received their update last week.

Among the numerous improvements and bug fixes in this update would include support for the new Amazon channel, additional enhancements introduced to support the official Roku iPhone app, better MP4 playback, the ability to shop for Roku Deals in the Roku Channel Store, and improved grid performance amongst others. Expect this update to be pushed over all first generation Roku players within the next two days, but if patience is not your strongest suit, then just download it directly by selecting Settings > Player info > Check for update from your Roku player.

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Control Roku player with new iPhone app

Image via WikipediaRoku, whose devices play streaming Internet video on the television, has unveiled a new app to let you use your iPhone as a remote control for its systems.

The Roku app launched Thursday. The offering empowers users to launch and rate any of Roku's channels—which include Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, and more—from their iOS device.

The app also offers options such as instant replay, as well as the ability and organize the channels you use on a particular Roku player. For users who have multiple Roku players, the company says the app can easily switch among the devices.

With the unveiling of its iOS app, Roku catches up with competitors like Boxee and Apple TV, both of whom have long let customers use their iPhones to control streaming video on their television sets.

The new app is free and works with all Roku devices. It is compatible with all devices running iOS 4.2 or later.

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• Control Roku player with new iPhone app (macworld.com)
• Roku Box Update Brings MKV, More Games & An Official iOS Remote App? (reelseo.com)
• Roku - Roku, Inc. (itunes.apple.com)
• Roku intros its official iPhone remote control app (slashgear.com)
• Control your Roku box with free iOS app (reviews.cnet.com)