New Roku Remote Backlit - V2 Pro
Good to see Roku responding to user requests by adding a backlit remote to the Accessories lineup. (available now).
Voice Remote Pro (2nd Edition/V2 - RCB1R) - https://www.roku.com/products/accessories
Forum Discussion
We're excited! The backlight option looks great, USB-C charging, and longer battery life. The remote no longer offers private listening directly on the remote, but you'll still be able to use private listening via the free Roku Mobile App, including with wireless headphones.
These features were highly requested by customers! It's one more way we're allowing customers options to personalize their streaming time. Read more about the Voice Remote Pro V2 at the official Blog announcement here.
Let us know what you think!
I checked the Roku accessories page and it no longer says "Headphone Mode" for this new and improved voice remote, so I guess that means the private listening feature has been removed? Yeah some 'upgrade' all right! You took away a useful feature and added a 'Guide' button. Not an improvement.
Well, I am thinking that some of the newer devices in development are more likely to have Bluetooth built in (like some of the currently available models) which will allow earbuds/headphones to simply connect to the device rather than the remote.
Although I rarely use Private Listening, when I do, I just use the Roku mobile app. (my cellphone is a much better device for this than my older non-rechargeable remotes with the headphone jack). One of my cell phones that I use with Roku still has the 3.5mm jack so can connect both wired and wireless earbuds/headphones to it.
I repurpose a lot of older equipment to supplement my streaming. I can't expect Roku to satisfy my every personal need, so I take advantage of what they do offer, and then figure out a way to customize my setup that works for me.
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As for the Guide button, I can see that as quite useful for those that use the Roku Channel LiveTV. (am assuming reserved solely for Roku Channel, but not sure). Additionally, only so much real estate on the current Roku remote design so something had to go. (1 of 2 programmable shortcut buttons).
I’ve not seen the RCB1R, and it sounds interesting.
Next, all they need built in the remote is a flashlight so I can read my TV Guide in the dark.
I refuse to nitpick at this and second-guess Roku on features. It solved my main concern by switching to USB-C connector for charging. Sanity has reigned in the world.
I'm waiting for the new Ultra to come out with this remote and whatever other enhancements they've planned for.
Any cases available? Gen2 is a little slimmer than Gen1. Or, is the Gen2 a similar size to one of the older remotes?
Just received two of these in the mail yesterday, and LOVE them. A third is on the way.
I do like a tack-ified remote control cover though. 🙂
If anyone has found one, link please!
Hey all, this case somewhat works for now. It’ll do at least until official Gen2 cases arrive.
Left side buttons are covered, but the right side volume and mute pretty well line up and have an access slot. The case itself fits just right.
GMXT Remote Cover for Roku TV... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB3VXB9M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I was on the fence about the new remotes [GUIDE] and [LAUNCH] buttons replacing the assignable [1] and [2] buttons as we use them for quick access to two app/channels. The way they function though was well thought out, you can still retain quick access to two app/channels. Upon pushing the [LAUNCH] button you'll notice the two left positions on the launch pop up are assignable so that's where we put the desired app/channels. The [GUIDE] button is a bonus when watching LIVE TV. don't push it while viewing a program steam though as it'll take you out of the app/channel you were streaming. Removing the headphone jack is not missed with today's bluetooth headphone options. Hooray, USB C Charging, thank you for adopting this modern standard.
Kudos for the backlighting, but the buttons are still very hard to press, including the volume on the side which I wish were on the top. Being able to program it would be nice, particularly being able to change inputs.
I used to use a Logitech Harmony remote but since they discontinued it I guess I'm looking for a universal remote like that. 🙂
WOW, just discovered the Roku Voice Remote Pro v2 does have a [PREVIOUS CHANNEL] button. It's the, wait for it ↪️ button. At least on the new RokuTV Pro Series television running Roku OS 13.0.
*Our TCL Roku sets rewind a little in OTA, we do have USB sticks in them to pause LIVE TV.*
Any reason why one of the shortcut buttons is HBO Max instead of just Max? That platform has had its name changed for months now.
The button on my v2 Voice Remote Pro is labeled [HBOMAX].
That is another reason that these preassigned shortcut buttons are stupid and useless. If apps change their names like "HBOMax" to "Max" the new name can't update on your remote since it's physically labeled. So it will always show the old name, or if the app gets discontinued and is no longer available on Roku then that particular shortcut button is labeled with a dead app that won't work and becomes completely useless.
The four shortcut buttons shouldn't have preassigned apps that Roku decides for you, instead they should be labeled 1-4 so we can assign any app we want to each button. That would be much better for the customer, but Roku's main concern is making money from selling those shortcut buttons to companies so that they can get paid, not customer satisfaction.
