Roku users have recently noticed a significant change in the Live TV Channel Guide, specifically the removal of channel numbers. This update, observed on devices like the Ultra 4660 (OS 12.0), alters how users interact with and navigate their favorite streaming channels. While Roku’s OS 12.5 (https://www.roku.com/blog/os-12-5) hints at personalization features for streaming channels, the immediate impact of this update is a shift away from numbered channels.
Previously, Roku’s Live TV guide provided numbered listings, a familiar format for traditional TV viewers. This system allowed for quick channel switching using voice commands – simply stating the channel number into the voice remote would directly tune to the desired channel. However, with the update, this functionality has changed. Users now need to know the “Channel Name” for voice commands. This leads to an extra step, as stating the channel name prompts a submenu asking whether to tune to the Live TV channel or access the standalone channel/app, a departure from the previous streamlined process.
This shift also affects how users share channel information. Instead of easily referencing a channel by its number, users now have to describe its position relative to other channels, a less precise and potentially more confusing method. Furthermore, some users have pointed out inconsistencies in the category sections of the guide, with missing channels that should logically be included within selected categories, adding to the sense of disorganization.
The removal of channel numbers has been met with mixed reactions. While the promise of personalized channel ordering in future updates might address some concerns, the current iteration is perceived by some users as a step back in user-friendliness. The absence of channel numbers can make the guide feel less structured and navigation less intuitive, especially for those accustomed to traditional TV guides. Whether this change ultimately improves the user experience will likely depend on the implementation and effectiveness of the promised personalization features and how quickly users adapt to this new way of navigating their Roku Live TV channels.
