Forum Discussion

ShookD's avatar
ShookD
Newbie
2 years ago

Web browser for Roku. Could be a very big deal!

Why can't they create a web browser for Roku so we can browse the internet on it?  They could call it "Surf & Stream." 

6 Replies

  • Or they could call it "WebTV"! ðŸ˜€  But they don’t seem to be interested in that market at all.

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert

    Perhaps you've never tried using a TV based browser. They are extremely difficult to use, as web browsers and web sites are all designed to use a mouse and keyboard. I have a Samsung TV with a browser, and while I've tried it, it's simply too cumbersome to use. Some devices, such as the Nvidia Shield, allow connecting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse/touchpad. But Roku devices don't support such peripherals, and without them a browser is a real pain to use. 

    • makaiguy's avatar
      makaiguy
      Community Streaming Expert

      I've always wanted my Rokus to toast my breakfast bagel, but they can't seem to do that either.

  • Why would they want to allow an internet browser?

    Then they would suddenly gain even more market share and sell many thousand more Roku TV licenses per year and we all know a huge boost in revenue would be bad for them.

    • renojim's avatar
      renojim
      Community Streaming Expert

      universal4, "Roku TV license"?  What the heck is that?  Roku is free.  A browser is never going to happen.

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert

        I'm guessing they are referring to licensing the Roku OS to the TV manufacturers. I agree a browser is never going to happen, and from personal experience using a TV based web browser it's next to useless.