Features, settings & updates

[Casperath]

Your reply is counter intuitive and not helpful at all . 

[atc98092]

My reply is simply stating the practical reasons a web browser is worthless on a Roku device. There will always be someone that feels their use case is applicable to most users, but that's simply not the case for this specific application. I've already provided a simple way to web browse, which is using screen mirroring of a phone, tablet or laptop. All three of those would provide a far more satisfactory experience than trying to use a web browser within the Roku OS.

[CosmicCat]

Alright I read the all comments about that and don’t know why they don’t want to add it. I believe it’s to simple things for them. The reason I want to have a web browser instead using the cast or mirror things it’s because I want to watch something on web and when using cast or mirror options for that the quality of video looks bad also sometimes connection cut off. The reason I am here it’s because I was searching for the any non official app for that or not 😁

[RokuRiamie-D · Accepted solution]

Hi @CosmicCat,

Welcome to the Roku Community!

Thank you for your suggestion about adding an internet web browser to Roku. Your input and feedback are greatly appreciated. Rest assured, our Roku team will be aware of this, as your convenience and satisfaction are our priorities. 

However, we would like to clarify that Roku is fundamentally designed as a streaming platform, focused on delivering a seamless experience for watching your favorite shows and movies.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work on making improvements.

Regards,
Riamie

[atc98092]

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@CosmicCat wrote:

Alright I read the all comments about that and don’t know why they don’t want to add it. I believe it’s to simple things for them. 

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Unless you are a Roku programmer, you have no idea how simple it would be to provide a viable web browser. Because of the various content available on a web page today, it's likely not a simple matter at all to provide a decent browser, which is why there has probably never been one. Because the Roku OS is highly customized from the basic Linux kernel, it's highly likely they have removed portions (for space and performance reasons) of the OS that would be necessary for a viable browser. Also, there's a size limit for any app approved for installation on a Roku, so a browser that has the necessary functionality likely is too large. So no, not a simple thing at all to accomplish.

[GS61]

My internet connection requires a login via a browser.  As there is no browser on the Roku Express 4K+ I am screwed.  I am unable to authenticate with the internet service provider (ISP) and therefore have no connection.  The WiFi connects correctly with the WiFi credentials but the internet does not as the ISP requires a browser to login before internet access is provided.  Roku needs to provide a basic browser to help with connectivity in these circumstances.  

[atc98092]

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@GS61 wrote:

My internet connection requires a login via a browser.  As there is no browser on the Roku Express 4K+ I am screwed.  I am unable to authenticate with the internet service provider (ISP) and therefore have no connection.  The WiFi connects correctly with the WiFi credentials but the internet does not as the ISP requires a browser to login before internet access is provided.  Roku needs to provide a basic browser to help with connectivity in these circumstances.  

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Roku already has a function to get you through this connection issue. It's called hotel/dorm connectivity, and when you first connected and it couldn't reach the Internet an alert will appear. You connect a phone/tablet/laptop to the Roku via WiFi and use that device's browser to complete the connection. No, not quite as simple as using a built in browser, but still works just fine. The Onn 4K Streaming player has the ability to install a browser, but I still can't get it to work on any hotel WiFi I've tried. So adding a browser for that still likely wouldn't resolve it. Those WiFi authentication portals are expecting a full powered web browser, and that simply isn't possible on these streaming devices, Roku or otherwise. 

[Casperath]

The op topic is “add a browser “ not give your bogus opinion as to why one is not needed . 
screen mirroring is not the same as having a browser… not to mention it requires extra hardware such as a phone laptop  or computer. So i say again… either add something to the topic and stay on topic or go make your own topic and have fun with that . 

[Tim_Hare]

How did you connect to the internet before you had a Roku device (can you document the steps, please)?  What ISP do you use? IF there's a solution to be found those two answers might help us find one.

[Rocko3927]

Taking my Roku back. 2024 and no web browser.  How is that even possible.