Why would I start developing a channel?
The roku seems like a great platform but I have just started to delve into the developer T&C's and have become rather confused and concerned about Roku's business model. I am hoping peeps here can help explain some things to me so that I can decide if I should invest time in porting a my applications to it or not.
1. Section 9: "Nothing in this Agreement will impair Roku's right to ... compete with the Channel Application"
On its own this clause is discouraging, but not fatal. I am ok with competition... though Roku would obviously have an advantage controlling the technology and channel store if they decided to compete.
2. Roku may cease distributing the Channel Application ... if roku has reason to believe that such action is prudent or necessary.
Combined with the preceding clause this seems fatal. Why would I, or anyone else, invest in an application if roku can just remove it if they decide to compete with it directly or via a partner or even just for ransom?
3. All Content must be in the English language and originate in the United States unless otherwise agreed by Roku in writing.
Being based in UK, with customers and material in most european languages, this clause really brought me up short. What on earth is this about? Really? Did roku not hear about the global internet yet? Are roku trying to be a generic set top platform (which they seem great at) or a gatekeeper (at which they have no chance long term at all - IMO)?
5. Was the DishWorld deal a abberation or indicative of roku's strategy?
4. Why are Roku so paranoid about content viewed with their devices?
MicroSoft & friends ship PC's with a browser that can access anything that is out there - no one is pinning copyright claims on them are they?
Again, this probably comes down to roku's business model - but please spell it out for me.
I don't want to turn my back on this nice gadget but at face value it seems a non-starter for any signifigant applications. I am still hoping I have got the wrong end of the stick somehow.
1. Section 9: "Nothing in this Agreement will impair Roku's right to ... compete with the Channel Application"
On its own this clause is discouraging, but not fatal. I am ok with competition... though Roku would obviously have an advantage controlling the technology and channel store if they decided to compete.
2. Roku may cease distributing the Channel Application ... if roku has reason to believe that such action is prudent or necessary.
Combined with the preceding clause this seems fatal. Why would I, or anyone else, invest in an application if roku can just remove it if they decide to compete with it directly or via a partner or even just for ransom?
3. All Content must be in the English language and originate in the United States unless otherwise agreed by Roku in writing.
Being based in UK, with customers and material in most european languages, this clause really brought me up short. What on earth is this about? Really? Did roku not hear about the global internet yet? Are roku trying to be a generic set top platform (which they seem great at) or a gatekeeper (at which they have no chance long term at all - IMO)?
5. Was the DishWorld deal a abberation or indicative of roku's strategy?
4. Why are Roku so paranoid about content viewed with their devices?
MicroSoft & friends ship PC's with a browser that can access anything that is out there - no one is pinning copyright claims on them are they?
Again, this probably comes down to roku's business model - but please spell it out for me.
I don't want to turn my back on this nice gadget but at face value it seems a non-starter for any signifigant applications. I am still hoping I have got the wrong end of the stick somehow.
