Roku, Inc.: Difference between revisions

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==Consumer-protection summary==
==Consumer-protection summary==


====Privacy<ref name=":0">https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us</ref>====
====Privacy<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Roku Privacy Policy |url=https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=[[Roku]]}}</ref>====


*Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.
*Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.
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*The "Do not sell my personal information" setting on Roku OS is hidden behind many menus.
*The "Do not sell my personal information" setting on Roku OS is hidden behind many menus.
*Roku states the added forced arbitration clause was a decision made separate of the data breach (More on this below). This has obviously led to skepticism on the companies' overall truthfulness.<ref name=":1">https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/</ref>
*Roku states the added forced arbitration clause was a decision made separate of the data breach, however this has been met with scepticism by the community.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |date=11 Mar 2024 |title=Over 15,000 hacked Roku accounts sold for 50¢ each to buy hardware |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Bleeping Computer}}</ref>
 
==Products and Services==
===Streaming Devices===
Roku's core products are streaming media players that connect to televisions via HDMI, allowing users to stream content from various online services. The lineup includes:
 
*Roku Express - Entry-level HD streaming devices
*Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices
*Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features
 
===Roku TV===
In 2014, Roku began licensing its operating system to TV manufacturers, creating the Roku TV platform. These smart TVs come with Roku OS built-in. Partners include TCL, Hisense, Sharp, and Philips, among others.
===Roku OS===
Roku OS is the operating system that powers all Roku devices. Key features include:
 
*The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps
*Universal search across multiple streaming services
*Voice control capabilities
*The free, ad-supported Roku Channel
*Customizable home screen interface
 
===Audio Products===
 
*Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player
*Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems
*Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response
 
===Content and Advertising===
The Roku Channel is the company's own ad-supported streaming service, offering free movies, TV shows, and some original content. Roku also operates an advertising business that serves as a significant revenue source, placing ads across its platform.


==Consumer-protection incidents==
==Consumer-protection incidents==
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===Post-Purchase EULA Modification (Mar. 2024)===
===Post-Purchase EULA Modification (Mar. 2024)===
[[File:Roku Forced Arbitration.jpg|thumb|510x510px|The screen in which consumers agreed to force arbitration. There is no "disagree."<ref name=":2">https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html</ref>]]
[[File:Roku Forced Arbitration.jpg|thumb|510x510px|The screen in which consumers agreed to force arbitration. There is no "disagree."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |date=7 Mar 2024 |title=Roku’s forced arbitration update leaves users fuming |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=TechHive}}</ref>]]
In early March 2024, Roku Inc. [[Post-purchase EULA modification|modified]] its [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA), after the company disclosed a data breach that affected 15,000 accounts.<ref name=":2" /> In April 2024, Roku disclosed another incident that affected 576,000 additional accounts.<ref name=":1" />
In early March 2024, Roku Inc. [[Post-purchase EULA modification|modified]] its [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA), after the company disclosed a data breach that affected 15,000 accounts.<ref name=":2" /> In April 2024, Roku disclosed another incident that affected 576,000 additional accounts.<ref name=":1" />


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==="HDMI-customized ad insertion" patent (Oct. 2023)===
==="HDMI-customized ad insertion" patent (Oct. 2023)===
In early October 2023, Roku filed a patent ([https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en US20230388589A1]) for a program to insert ads on top of the display output of any non-Roku device displayed on a Roku TV. This program would be able to detect when the consumer has paused a video feed and display an advertisement, personalized by data collected through Roku services.<ref>https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en</ref>
In early October 2023, Roku filed a patent ([https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en US20230388589A1]) for a program to insert ads on top of the display output of any non-Roku device displayed on a Roku TV. This program would be able to detect when the consumer has paused a video feed and display an advertisement, personalized by data collected through Roku services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Dec 2024 |title=Hdmi customized ad insertion |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Google Patents}}</ref>


As of January 2025, this patent has not been implemented into any Roku devices. However, a similar feature which also detects content from connected devices, called "More Ways to Watch," has previously been implemented.<ref>https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288</ref><ref>https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/</ref>
As of January 2025, this patent has not been implemented into any Roku devices. However, a similar feature which also detects content from connected devices, called "More Ways to Watch," has previously been implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use More Ways to Watch on your Roku TV |url=https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288 |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Roku Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katzmaier |first=David |date=11 Apr 2017 |title=Roku TVs now track what you watch to suggest streams, target ads |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Roku]]
[[Category:Roku]]