@KostaSIES - While of course Roku should support exFAT, alternatives do exist to see files on the network. I believe the "Roku Media App" can see DLNA servers on the network, so that is one method. Another method is to use a "Plex" server and install the Plex app. I don't know if Roku supports Kodi, but that's another option.
I have a feeling now that there's a Roku channel, all the engineers and developers are over there caring about making another glut of "Content Nobody Cares About(R)" work, so that Roku can make money off streaming. Hardware doesn't make anyone money above and beyond the common use case, which is driven by giant monopolies of Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. So as long as those apps install and aren't too buggy, 99% of the population is ameliorated and eating popcorn. Add in the Roku channel and even Roku doesn't care anymore because their revenue stream is not so much hardware anymore.
When 50% of your potential hardware and software capabilities support 99% of the revenue, and the other 50% of potential hardware and software capabilities support weirdos like you and me that want to plug in their USB sticks - it makes it very hard with the bean counters and business monopolists running corporate America when they see it won't line their pockets. There are probably developers and engineers at Roku that would like nothing more than to pounce on these forums and fix every little bug that we complain about. But nobody will let them service the non-revenue producing minority. Ahh, the world is so cruel to anyone that strays outside the group that numbs out the Mandalorian at night with nary a USB stick in sight.
However, as is usual with the bean counters and business monopolists, they often don't really understand the markets they are in, oversimplifying them due to limited intelligence, the need to leave work at 5, or their golf game. There are nuances to the media consuming market. One is that technologically saavy folks with USB sticks and Plex servers are big influencers with friends and family. When that Roku dies or gets too slow that belongs to the Mandalorian watching 99%, who is asked what to buy to replace it but one of those "tech geeks"? The same tech geek that was pissed off that a common and reliable standard like exFat wasn't supported on the Roku. And although the next Roku will play the Mandalorian just fine, out of spite they get their friends to buy competing hardware. That's right, before they even go into the store, see the fancy box marketing dept agonized over that cost as much as the hardware inside it, placed in just the right place in the store or in the web search algorithm, they ask their geek friend what's good.
Roku, please don't let it happen to you. Support the fringe users. Have the better platform. Rise above the mediocrity. Make the strategic choice. It's great to have technology geeks love you. Take some of the money from your executives or the next quarterly profits and add some nice niche features. Although they want their money now, those same execs will be happy if they can practice some self control and in five years, when the Roku is still recommended as a standout box instead of yet another cheap alternative to Chinese Generics, sales will be up. A glut of cheap junk that can play Netflix is right around the corner (and in some cases already here). The Roku TV won't save you all by itself.
Add exFAT. It is a sound business decision.
