Features, settings & updates

[Acmehome]

This is absolutely unacceptable and I will never use or sell a roku device again if this happens. I cannot believe they thought they can get away with a full screen obtrusive ad. 

[InsertNameHere]

You can run some of the streaming services that are the basis of Roku channels on any old browser.  I haven't tried setting Netflix up in Kodi, but I hear that it works, DRM and all.

[Zeroanaphora]

Yep I just got my first autoplay ad with sound and I will be finding a replacement device ASAP if this continues. 

[InsertNameHere]

Saw my first autoplay ad last night.  I've grudgingly tolerated all the static ads as they have propagated on the home screen, and the Roku App that mysteriously reappears in my channel list every few weeks (but does not survive long).  Unskippable video ads on the home screen is a non-starter.

The world keeps changing, and I realize there are few decent alternatives, but that will not stop me replacing all my Roku devices if this goes on.  Seems to me that once upon a time, there was rampant video piracy, until streaming services showed up that were inexpensive and easy to use.  But I'm afraid larding them up with ads is not going to turn out to be a path to real progress. 

I used to watch Amazon Prime, but I decided that I don't like paying for Prime only to find out that a subscription is mainly a license to watch ads.  I can get ads almost everywhere.  I'd hate to add Roku to my list of "been there, done that" mistakes.

[Bitty1]

They appear to have gotten around Pi-hole for this as well. If this continues, all of my Roku sticks are being replaced, and all Roku-based TVs will be blocked entirely from the Internet.

My hardware. My network. My bandwidth. If you refuse to play nice, you don't play at all.

[Edc83]

I have 5 TV's in my house that all have a Roku device hooked up, two of them having the latest Roku ultra (2024). I also have 5 Roku cameras and a number of light bulbs. I pay for the monthly smart home subscription. 

Roku, let me be super clear: if any of my devices start forcing ads that block my ability to use my device for the duration of the advertisement or even require me to push a button on the remote to skip the ad, I will throw all your sh*t in the garbage and switch to something else. 

I've stuck with Roku over the last decade because of the simplicity and reliability of your products. Don't ruin them with forced ads. You WILL lose users (including myself). Whatever greedy C-suite exec thought this was a good idea (even for "testing") should be immediately fired and an apology issued to users who were part of this test group.

I WILL drop the money to switch everything to Apple TV if you force my hand. And there are plenty of other (probably even better) options for smart home devices...

[rdking647]

i have an older roku that im debatine about replacing. if roku is going to show me ads on the homescreen i may buy an apple tv instead

[heyes]

bye bye Roku if this continues. there are other options, and I have no problems leaving

[Garyfrozen]

I agree I will trash my 4k stream stick if this is permanent 

[Csalzman]

It will continue. They have no incentives to not continue. Best to leave asap!