Roku, Inc.: Difference between revisions

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==Consumer-protection summary==

====Privacy~~<ref name=":0">https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us</ref>~~====

====Privacy====

*Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.

*This data is used for purposes such as providing and improving services, personalizing content, and targeted advertisements.

*Roku retains personal data for as long as deemed necessary.

*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.

*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.<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>

====Transparency====

*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, however this has been met with scepticism by the community.<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 ==

==Products and Services==

=== Streaming Devices ===

===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. ~~As of 2024, the~~ lineup includes:

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 Express - Entry-level HD streaming devices

Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices

*Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices

Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features

*Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features

=== Roku TV ===

===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===

Roku OS is the operating system that powers all Roku devices. Key features include:

The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps

*The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps

Universal search across multiple streaming services

*Universal search across multiple streaming services

Voice control capabilities

*Voice control capabilities

The free, ad-supported Roku Channel

*The free, ad-supported Roku Channel

Customizable home screen interface

*Customizable home screen interface

=== Audio Products ===

===Audio Products===

~~Roku has expanded into audio products, including:~~

Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player

*Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player

Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems

*Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems

Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response

*Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response

=== Content and Advertising ===

===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.

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===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" />

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==="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==

[[Category:Roku]]

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 ==Consumer-protection summary==
-====Privacy<ref name=":0">https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us</ref>====
+====Privacy====
 *Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.
 *This data is used for purposes such as providing and improving services, personalizing content, and targeted advertisements.
 *Roku retains personal data for as long as deemed necessary.
-*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.
+*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.<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>
 ====Transparency====
 *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, however this has been met with scepticism by the community.<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 ==
+==Products and Services==
-=== Streaming Devices ===
+===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. As of 2024, the lineup includes:
+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 Express - Entry-level HD streaming devices
-Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices
+*Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices
-Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features
+*Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features
-=== Roku TV ===
+===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===
 Roku OS is the operating system that powers all Roku devices. Key features include:
-The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps
+*The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps
-Universal search across multiple streaming services
+*Universal search across multiple streaming services
-Voice control capabilities
+*Voice control capabilities
-The free, ad-supported Roku Channel
+*The free, ad-supported Roku Channel
-Customizable home screen interface
+*Customizable home screen interface
-=== Audio Products ===
+===Audio Products===
-Roku has expanded into audio products, including:
-Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player
+*Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player
-Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems
+*Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems
-Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response
+*Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response
-=== Content and Advertising ===
+===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.
@@ Line 57: / Line 56: @@
 ===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" />
@@ Line 63: / Line 62: @@
 ==="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 />
 [[Category:Roku]]