Roku to let US viewers test experimental apps

The company said that Roku Labs will allow viewers to test new experiences, share feedback, and influence what it builds next. Roku Labs can be found by viewers through a tile on the Roku home screen. 

One of the first concepts to come out of Roku Labs is Roku City Dash, an original game that takes viewers inside Roku City, past iconic buildings and surprises from outer space. 

At launch, four more features are being tested. The first is Roku Stocks, which lets viewers keep an eye on their portfolio. Second is Roku Weather, which enables users to check the forecast from their TVs. Backdrops Studio gives viewers custom artwork and images for their screen, and finally, Roku Immerse lets them set a screensaver atmosphere from mountain views to desert sunsets.  

Earlier this summer, Fox Corp agreed to buy Roku in a deal that values the connected TV firm at $22bn (£16bn). 

Roku is used as a streaming platform by more than 100 million households worldwide and also runs rival AVOD service The Roku Channel. Its key connected TV rivals include Amazon's Fire TV, Google TV and Chromecast, Apple TV, and Tizen. 

“Our best breakthroughs have never happened in a vacuum; they start with Roku engineers building and the people watching,” said Brian Pinkerton, Senior Vice President (SVP), Advanced Development, Roku. “Roku Labs continues to bridge the gap between engineers and our viewers, giving millions of households a seat at the table to explore, test, and shape experiences in real time. It ensures every feature that comes to our platform solves a real pain point, brings genuine delight, and reinforces our commitment to streaming.” 

Streaming platform Roku recently unveiled its first significant update to its home screen in over a decade. Discover more here.