Just a few short days after retail availability the first Roku 2 update has hit. And it can’t come soon enough for those us experiencing some typical early release crashiness (as described here and here). From the version 4.1, build 1255 release notes:
• Improved playback support in Crackle
• Fixed an occasional crash on entry into Angry Birds
• Fixed an occasional crash during video playback
Roku firmware updates are automatic and most players will be updated over the next week. If you would like to get the latest firmware version immediately, please visit Settings > Software Update on your Roku 2 Streaming Player to manually trigger the update.
I suspect the Roku crew is already hard at work on their next update, as these sorts of issues are all too common in new products… and this is an entirely new hardware platform for them. But I’m hopeful we’ll see even more improved stability, reliability, and responsiveness within a couple of weeks.
In addition to the Roku 2 software update, EPIX and AOLHD channels have been released. EPIX requires a subscription via your cable or satellite provider. Beyond a high def movie television channel, EPIX offers online streaming… now back to the TV. Which is probably most useful in rooms without a cable box or if you take your Roku on the road as I’ve been known to do. And then there’s AOLHD. I don’t know much about it other than it features an area dedicated to my pals at Engadget – all their videos in glorious HD. But it could use some organizational assistance.
