Roku adds universal search channel for movies and TV

The most frustrating part of dealing with streaming media players can often be just finding out which services offer the content you’re looking for — but Roku is solving that problem by adding universal search to its devices. The “Search Channel” is exactly what it sounds like: a single location for users to look up the movies or television programs they want to see. The channel returns a list of which services offer the content, and how much it will cost to watch. Selecting a given option then drops you directly into the appropriate app and starts your program playing. The channel plugs in to all of the top-tier video services available on Roku boxes, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and HBO Go. Users can also key in favorite actors or directors; the channel provides a filmography for each, and users can whittle down their choices from there.

While universal search isn’t a new concept in this realm — Google TV was practically built around it — it does address a real issue for users that can’t rely on a single streaming service for all of their video needs. It’s also a leg up on the Apple TV, which has yet to offer similar functionality, despite seeing a steady stream of updates addressing other features. Roku’s new search channel will be rolling out to the company’s entire current product line — including the Streaming Stick — as a free update over the next week.