David Farnor | On 15, Aug 2014

Vimeo has launched a revamped app for Roku streaming media devices designed to make it quicker to view videos.

The first major refresh since the channel launched in 2011, the Vimeo app now features a custom-built user interface that makes content instantly discoverable on the home screen and, according to the VOD service, reduces the number of steps to play a video by 50 per cent. It follows a similar update for Apple TV.

Popular video feeds are now included on the home screen, including Vimeo Staff Picks and featured Collections. It also makes it easier to access personalized video feeds (My Videos, Likes, Watch Later, and Incoming).

The rebuild also – crucially – lays the foundation to support Vimeo’s first Connected TV purchase experience for its Vimeo On Demand catalog, which is already on Apple’s streaming device and expected to launch on Roku’s platform this fall.

“Roku provides an amazing set-top product for our users, and we really wanted to blow the Vimeo experience out of the water for our viewers,” said Nick Alt, VP of Mobile and TV, Vimeo.

“This latest channel is part of our commitment to creators and ensuring their content is discoverable in the best possible ways, across many devices.”

Non-registered users can also now view Staff Picks and Collections, while also having the opportunity to sign up directly within the channel. The search has been improved too, with videos recommended as you type, while an interactive playbar lets you like videos and add them to your Watch Later queue and browse other titles without leaving the video’s page..

The updated Vimeo channel is available for free on Apple TV and in the Roku Channel Store and is compatible with all current-generation Roku players, from the NOW box to the Roku Streaming Stick.

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