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🎮Roku Launches Roku Labs with Experimental Apps and Open-Sources Roku Remote Software

Roku's New Home Screen and Open-Source Move

TL;DR

Roku introduces Roku Labs with experimental apps like weather trackers and a new game, and open-sources its Roku remote software. This move could attract outside developers and enhance Roku's competitive edge in the connected TV market.

Roku has launched Roku Labs, a new feature allowing users to access experimental apps directly from their Home Screen. Initially, users can find a weather tracker, stock app, and a game called Roku Dash. The game involves flying a UFO across a neon city skyline. Additionally, Roku is open-sourcing the software behind its Roku remote, inviting outside developers to build new applications and devices. This initiative could attract a broader developer community and enhance Roku's competitive position against rivals like Google and Amazon in the AI-powered connected TV space. The new Home Screen is rolling out in Mexico and Brazil, offering localized content and tailored suggestions.

Roku Launches Roku Labs with Experimental Apps and Open-Sources Roku Remote Software — TechCrunch

Key Points

1

Roku Labs offers experimental apps like weather trackers, stock apps, and the game Roku Dash, available through a new tile on the Home Screen.

2

Roku Dash involves flying a UFO across a neon city skyline, adding a unique gaming experience to the platform.

3

Roku is open-sourcing the software behind its Roku remote, inviting outside developers to build new applications and devices.

4

The new Home Screen is rolling out in Mexico and Brazil, offering localized content and tailored suggestions.

5

Roku is introducing bundled subscriptions in the U.S. and Mexico, offering more affordable streaming plans.

Why It Matters

If you're a developer interested in building connected TV apps, Roku's open-sourced remote software could be a game-changer. It invites outside developers to create new applications and devices, potentially expanding Roku's ecosystem. For users in Mexico and Brazil, the new Home Screen with localized content and tailored suggestions offers a more personalized experience. The bundled subscriptions in the U.S. and Mexico provide more affordable streaming options.

RokuRoku Labsopen-sourceconnected TVAI

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