Forum Discussion

NYJack's avatar
NYJack
Streaming Star
2 years ago

Roku 12.5 Missing Key Features

I have a Roku TV TCL Model 55S535, Hardware ID A119X, Software version 12.5.0 - build 4162-88 and have a Roku Streambar Model 9102R Software version 12.0.0 build 4184-95.

I was able to update the Roku TV to 12.5 but it is missing 2 features that I read about:

  • The apps/channels are still in a 3 across format - I think that was supposed to change to 4 across
  • There is no Continue Watching menu choice, although when I go to what To Watch there is a Continue Watching choice there; this is no different that 12.0

I had to do a factory reset in order to successfully get the update.

As for my Roku Streambar which is connected to the Roku TV (along with 4 wireless Roku speakers and a wireless Roku subwoofer). I haven’t been able to update the Streambar to 12.5. I did a factory reset with the Streambar but was still not able to get 12.5.

The 12.5 features I’ve mentioned above would be very helpful but for whatever reason they are not there. 

Has anyone else had these issues?

TV & Player Features

6 Replies

  • makaiguy's avatar
    makaiguy
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    NYJack-

    The 12.5 rollout was said to begin on Sept 12.  Yours is only the 2nd report I've seen of anybody having received it.

    Rollouts are done individual Roku installation by individual Roku installation, with an update schedule known only to Roku. If you have multiple Rokus, they may not become eligible for the update at the same time, even if they are the same Roku model.

    Roku menu path Settings > System > System update will show you your current Roku version number. Down in the lower left corner of this screen it will also show you when your last update was installed.

    I haven't seen 12.5 yet myself, but I think the display of the Continue Watching bar and choice of 3x3 or 4x4 channel grid are supposed to be options listed in Settings > Home screen.  In the past some Roku updates have just set the stage for features that were added later - I don't know if that is the case here.

    • denhow's avatar
      denhow
      Roku Guru
      2 years ago

      I received the 12.5 update last night. My experience is the same as NYJack. I still have a 3x3 layout and I can't find a menu item to change to 4x4. I also do not have the Continue Watching bar.

      I'm not unhappy about any of this. I have a 43 inch TV and did not want the smaller channel icons. Although the option would be ok, I suppose.

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert
        2 years ago

        The 4x4 layout is an independent update from the OS itself. Roku uses what is commonly referred to as "middleware" for some of the user interface functions, and the grid size appears to be one of them. I expect the 4x4 rollout isn't going to occur until they have the menu function to change sizes also ready to roll out. And that hasn't happened yet either. 

  • DwainA's avatar
    DwainA
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    I received the 12.5 update on 10/19. I have a 3930X - Roku Express now running 12.5.0 build 4175-AE

    ALL of my Apps have disappeared! The only app I've been able to add is the Roku Photo Streams app. To get to any of my saved apps, I have to go to search and call them up with voice search. Even then, there is no way that I have found to add them to my Home screen.

    My saved Apps do briefly flash on the screen when the Roku starts up, but then are no more.

    I have tried restarting, but to no avail. I'm not ready to factory reset just yet.

    Finally, my saved Apps do show on my iPad Roku app.

    If Roku support is reading these  - HELP!

    • renojim's avatar
      renojim
      Community Streaming Expert
      2 years ago

      DwainA, I see all kinds of strangeness with the Home Screen and the 12.5 update.  I don't know what Roku is doing (and obviously neither do they), but I think it's some kind of Internet connection issue.  Try restarting all of your network equipment (gateway/modem/router) and if you're using any kind of content blocker or VPN, disable it.  To experiment, you can try connecting to your phone's hotspot to see if you get the Home Screen back, but I wouldn't say that's a solution even if it works.

  • farnsworth's avatar
    farnsworth
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    Same issue here!  My solution was to replace my ROKUs with Firesticks.  I have been a ROKU user from the first day a ROKU streamer was available many years ago.