Roku TV is a Smart TV operating system akin to what Android is for Smartphones. There are several Smart TV operating systems in the market including Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s WebOS, Android TV and Roku TV.
However, Roku has partnered with some TV vendors to ship its software pre-built into the TV. A smart move, yes? The most famous and successful such vendor is Chinese TCL which not only produce TVs, but more recently, smartphones . They are reknown for low-cost spectacular products that compete with the big guns such as Samsung, LG, Sony.
So in this post, I am kind of reviewing both the Smart TV and the Software, but I’ll mostly concentrate on the Roku OS software as experienced in the TCL 49S405 49-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV . Let me also mention that I am reviewing it as a non-U.S resident , meanjng this review is therefore (mostly) directed towards a non-U.S audience. Now let’s get to it.
Roku TV OS Review: TL;DR
In summary, here’s what’s good and bad about Roku TV;
Pros
- Lots of Channels and Apps supported such as Youtube, Plex, Netflix etc
- In-built Miracast support
- Affordable Smart TVs with TCL partnership
- Free-to-air Live TV support through external Antennae
- Voice control
- Great power management features
- OTA regular software updates
Cons
- No wireless Bluetooth speaker support
- No Roku Channel support outside the U.S
Now let’s segue into the full review, if you will.
Roku Channels and Apps
To start with, the first thing you will notice and appreciate about Roku TV is the vast number of channels or apps that are supported on the platform. Roku channels are made of a combination of free and paid content services by 3rd party providers through which you can stream music and video content to your TV.
There are over 1,800+ Channel stores on Roku Platform and the best part is a good number of them are free including YouTube, Pandora, PBS, PBS Kids, Hasbro, Crackle, VEVO, CrunchyRoll, Baeble, Popcornflix, Smithsonian. Note that if you live outside of the U.S, most of these channels are NOT available unless you use VPNs . For instance in Uganda, you’ll find Youtube, CrunchyRoll, TuneIn, Plex among the few available free great channels.
But even with these content restrictions , there are several options to choose from. Youtube, Netflix, Plex, Tidal, CrunchyRoll, Al Jezira are some of the best options available for Ugandan audiences and most likely other countries with similar content restrictions.
Aside content, Roku comes with a number of apps that aren’t necessarily used for streaming content online. Among these include a few games, local media players, screen mirroring apps among others. They might not be as useful as their video streaming counterparts, but they do really come in handy.
In-built Miracast support
I admit, this is little nerdy feature. But given a number of people that might want to share content from their laptops or smartphones to a bigger TV screen , it might not be that trivial afterall. Roku has one of the best support for Miracast , a standard that enables you to wirelessly share content such as photos and videos from smartphone or laptop to TV screen .
This feature has worked with almost all my smartphones and laptops and it’s one of my favorite Roku TV features. There’s only one requirement, though: your TV must have Wi-Fi support. Interestingly, the Roku OS or any Roku streaming stick (more on that later) does have Wi-Fi support.
Free-to-air Live Traditional TV
Another thing to love about Roku TV is its support for traditional old-school TV. This is especially helpful in Uganda where Home unlimited broadband is still out of reach for most people.
To watch live TV, you must have an Antenna and Coaxial cable (not provided) which you connect from the device to the ANT/CABLE input on the TV. You then start scanning for channels in your area by selecting Settings > TV inputs > Antenna TV > Scan again for channels > Start finding channels.
When you set up Antenna TV, the TV scans the signals on its antenna input for channels with a good signal, and adds those to the channel list, skipping dead channels and channels with a very weak signal.
You can also watch Live TV by connecting the TV to set-top-box or decoder via HDMI cable . Roku has support for this too. You can record live TV if you have a USB flash or an external hard drive attached to the TV.
Local Content Support
Another great thing about Roku TV is its awesome support for local content. By this I mean you can watch your movies and music through an external USB portable drive . This is supported through Roku’s Official Media Player which supports a number of media formats such as mp3, mp4, mkv, wav . Sadly, it doesn’t play .avi video files. But you can download 3rd party apps from Roku list of channels I have mentioned.
If you are more fancy and nerdy, you can play media from a Network Attached Storage(NAS) drive . It simply has to support DLNA standard which most do especially if they support the Plex media server app. With a NAS drive, you don’t have to directly connect the hard drive to the TV. You just have to ensure the TV and the NAS drive are connected to the same network. I have had this setup with Seagate Personal Cloud NAS drive with Plex installed and it’s been an awesome experience.
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Regular OTA Software Updates
Another thing to love about Roku TV OS are regular Over-The-Air(OTA) software updates you get, akin to how you update apps on your smartphone. Roku will check for new software updates at least once everyday. If your TV or streaming device is connected to the internet, the TV will automatically update. And you can’t turn these automatic updates off.
This can however be annoying especially when Roku pushing an update that you might not like. For instance, one day I woke up and my TV wouldn’t connect to the WiFi if it didn’t have internet connection. That meant I couldn’t connect to my Plex NAS drive to watch my local content!
Other TVs don’t necessarily support OTA software updates. So you get stuck with the software firmware that shipped with your TV.
Streaming Devices and Roku Ecosystem
Roku is famous for low-cost streaming devices that you can connect to even non-smart TVs to access internet streaming services. Currently Roku has 3 categories of streaming devices ; Roku Express at $29, Roku Premiere at $39, Roku Streaming stick plus at $49 . With any of these, you can turn any TV with an HDMI interface into a Smart TV. If it’s already a Smart TV such as a Samsung or LG Smart TV, you can still use it to access Roku services we’ve mentioned above.
As you can tell, that price is really great for a 4K with HDR, 50″ Smart TV. That’s the other cool thing about Roku TVs. They are relatively much cheaper than their counterparts.
Along with streaming devices and TVs, Roku recently added Soundbars and Bluetooth speakers to their catalog of products. These speakers only work with Roku TV, so be aware of that fact.
Bonus Features
Voice Control : There’s more to love about the Roku TV. One of the frustrating thing about Smart TVs is still text input. The default way to enter text such as in a search box or form field is using the virtual keyboard with the remote arrow keys directing input. This can be super slow process.
Roku TV Remote
However, input can be faster and even more natural with by simply saying it. Roku supports this via some of its TV Remote. Looking for what to watch? Simply say “watch Mission Impossible” for instance and it’ll search across streaming services on the platform.
Private listening : Another feature I love is Roku private listening. Ideally you can listen to your TV from your headphones/earphones. This can be helpful if you don’t want to distract anyone else in the living room who’s not interested in watch the TV. You can use private listening through supported Roku remotes or their official Mobile app.
Roku TV: The Bad
So much good stuff to talk about Roku TV OS. Now lets talk about things I was not impressed about.
Lets start with the fact that Roku is not a very globally-focused company. Their market is mostly U.S and as a result, some services are not available in markets outside of the U.S. Roku’s own smartphone app and official channel is restricted to the U.S market and probably select European markets.
Another bummer about Roku is lack of Bluetooth support. I find this quite strange given how Bluetooth Audio is taking over almost every device that outputs sound; from earbuds, headphones, earphones, speakers, smartphones etc. As such, you can’t pair your Bluetooth Speaker or Headphone with a Roku TV!
Now Roku recently announced their own set of Bluetooth speakers that work with Roku TV. So that’s your only option . Otherwise, you would have to use the AUX port on the TV to connect via Speaker to the TV using a cable.
Final Words
Among the best Smart TV operating systems , Roku certainly offers very stable, regularly updated software along with a myriad of affordable devices that bring Smart TV to everyone who wants it.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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