Roku is exploring ways to show consumers ads on its TVs even when they are not using its streaming platform: The company has been looking into injecting ads into the video feeds of third-party devices connected to its TVs, according to a recent patent filing.

This way, when an owner of a Roku TV takes a short break from playing a game on their Xbox, or streaming something on an Apple TV device connected to the TV set, Roku would use that break to show ads. Roku engineers have even explored ways to figure out what the consumer is doing with their TV-connected device in order to display relevant advertising.

  • InvaderDJ@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    If Roku actually does this I would definitely never use them again. Completely asinine behavior. Especially because most people aren’t even using stand alone boxes with their smart TVs.

    • BassTurd@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      I would get rid of my old Roku that I’m sure is too old for this tech and urge everyone I know to never buy anything Roku, and if they did, I would lambast them every opportunity I could.

    • jkrtn@lemmy.ml
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      8 months ago

      I will never buy a Roku device because of that forced arbitration stunt. We can add the fact that they are even considering this to the list of reasons.

      • Marleyinoc@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        Yeah, Roku must be on its last legs with the crap they’re pulling. All of this says to me: don’t buy Roku.