# That Large Display in Your Room is for More Than Just Binge-Watching
When we envision our living room televisions, the initial thought often revolves around binge-watching beloved series, streaming films, or keeping up with the most recent sports happenings. However, in today’s rapidly changing tech environment, your television is evolving into something much more than simply a passive source of entertainment. Thanks to advancements in smart home technology, especially from companies like **Roku**, your TV is becoming a cornerstone for home management, connectivity, and improving daily living.
## Essential Insights
– **Roku** is rolling out innovative features for its streaming devices and smart TVs, broadening their capabilities beyond conventional media usage.
– A recent feature titled **”Camera Carousel”** will provide users the ability to view live feeds from their Roku-connected surveillance devices directly on their television.
– The **Smart Home Web View** is making its debut on laptops, allowing users to check camera feeds on smaller displays.
– These enhancements will be offered as a complimentary update for Roku TVs and streaming dongles later this year.
### Smart Home Integration: Beyond Streaming
Roku, a frontrunner in the streaming device sector, is making substantial strides to incorporate smart home functionalities into its ecosystem. While many are acquainted with Roku’s streaming prowess, the company has been steadily broadening its smart home network. This encompasses devices such as cameras, lighting, and plugs, all of which can now be managed and observed via your television.
Among the most thrilling new features is the **Camera Carousel**. If you possess a Roku camera or doorbell, you might already be able to view live footage on your television. Nonetheless, with the introduction of the Camera Carousel, Roku is enhancing this experience. This innovative feature allows users to select and view various camera feeds in a carousel layout, automatically switching between different feeds when motion is detected. For instance, if someone approaches your doorway, the feed will instantly change to that camera, providing real-time updates without the requirement to reach for your mobile device.
This feature is ideal for individuals wishing to keep tabs on their home while comfortably watching TV. Whether it’s watching for package arrivals, checking on pets, or ensuring safety, the Camera Carousel simplifies staying updated.
### Real-Time Notifications on the Big Display
Roku is also bringing **event notifications** to your television. These alerts will notify you of significant occurrences detected by your Roku Smart Home cameras, like someone at your entrance or movement in the yard. These notifications are part of the Roku Camera subscription and can be tailored through the settings.
Picture enjoying your favorite program and receiving a notice in the corner of your screen that a package has just been delivered. You can swiftly switch to the live camera feed to verify the delivery, all without disrupting your viewing experience.
### Smart Home Web View: Control from Anywhere
In addition to the television functionality, Roku is extending its smart home features to laptops with the launch of **Smart Home Web View**. This feature enables users to access live camera feeds from their laptops, providing adaptability for those wishing to monitor their home while working or traveling. Whether you’re in another area of your house or away, you’ll maintain full access to your camera feeds, offering peace of mind wherever you may be.
### An Effortless Experience
Roku’s smart home integration is designed for maximum convenience. All of these functions are incorporated into the Roku TV OS, meaning there is no need for extra apps or devices to utilize them. If you already possess a Roku TV or streaming dongle, these enhancements will be available to you via a free software update later this year.
Moreover, Roku’s voice remote can be employed to manage these features with simple voice commands. For instance, you can instruct your Roku remote to show the front door camera, and it will instantly display the live feed on your television.
### The Future of TV: A Central Hub for Your Smart Home
Roku’s foray into smart home technology is part of a broader trend within the tech landscape. TVs are transforming from mere content consumption devices into central platforms for managing our households. With capabilities to control lighting, monitor security cameras, and receive instantaneous notifications, your television is becoming a formidable asset for home automation.
This transition is particularly exhilarating, as it introduces smart home technology to a larger demographic. Many households already have a Roku device, and with these new features, they can begin experiencing the advantages of smart home integration without needing to invest in additional equipment.
### Conclusion: The TV of Tomorrow, Today
The large screen in your living area is no longer solely for binge-watching. With Roku’s recent updates, your television can now function as a command center for your entire home. From overseeing security cameras to receiving real-time alerts, the potential is limitless. As smart home technology continues to progress, we can anticipate even more thrilling features to come.
