Plex is in the process of launching its revamped app for Roku TVs and streaming devices, currently available through a dedicated preview channel. This rollout follows a period of extensive testing and aims to address various usability issues before extending the update to all Roku hardware.
### A Comprehensive Update
The redesigned Plex app represents a complete overhaul aimed at consolidating Plex’s mobile and television apps into a singular codebase. This initiative is intended to provide users with a more contemporary interface. The app began to unveil its changes to Android, iPhone, and iPad users in March, but it has been met with mixed reviews. Typically, redesigns can evoke strong reactions, and in this case, the update has introduced a few notable bugs that have frustrated users. In response to these issues, Plex has released multiple bug fix updates for the mobile applications while continuing to refine the app for additional platforms.
### Preview Channel for Roku Users
The latest version of the app is now available in the Plex Preview channel specifically for Roku devices. This preview channel operates independently from the standard Plex channel, allowing users to test the new design without permanently altering their existing app setup. Users interested in this beta testing phase can enroll in the program, keeping both app versions available for easy toggling between them.
### Navigation and User Experience
The aesthetic of the new Roku app closely resembles the Apple TV interface, with the main navigation bar located at the top of the screen, similar to design trends seen in other streaming platforms. Users will find key sections such as Search, Home, Libraries, Live TV, On Demand, and Discover conveniently arranged on the left side of the screen.
One of the more significant changes that users might notice is the reconfigured Libraries section. Upon logging in to the preview channel, some users found their Libraries page empty, displaying only a “See All Libraries” button. To view their preferred libraries, users must click on this button and select their favorites, which are then displayed as tabs alongside the “See All Libraries” option. It would be beneficial if Plex integrated this selection process into the initial setup to enhance user experience before a wider release of the redesign.
### Functional Updates
The overall functionality of the app remains largely as expected. The Home page serves as the center for viewing watch history and recommendations drawn from various libraries and sources. The Live TV page features a guide displaying available live TV options, including Plex’s own live channels for users who have them. The On Demand section provides access to Plex’s free streaming content as well as movie rental offerings.
### Community Feedback and Ongoing Issues
Feedback has already surfaced in discussions on platforms like Reddit, with users voicing concerns over certain functionality changes. Notably, the removal of direct access to the music library has been highlighted as a negative change. Music playback has been shifted away from the main app, now requiring the use of Plexamp, which is currently only available on mobile devices, leaving TV users without an equivalent app. Additionally, a bug concerning missing usernames in libraries has been acknowledged, with Plex actively investigating the issue. Some users have even reported crashes during use, although experiences may differ based on individual device performance; one user noted stability during testing with a Roku Express 4K+.
### Future Prospects
As Plex works to iron out the remaining kinks, there is hope that the team will expedite the release of Plexamp for television platforms. Until then, users can continue utilizing the original Plex channel on Roku, which maintains its previous design and functionality.
In conclusion, while the redesigned app shows promise in terms of modernizing the user interface and unifying platforms, ongoing technical issues need attention. Plex appears committed to enhancing user experience, and with continued updates, it aims to resolve existing problems before a full-scale rollout.
