Roku OS: Smart TVs with Roku’s operating system

Roku brings its own operating system, Rokus OS, to Germany. For this purpose, contracts are signed with companies that manufacture smart TVs. The first devices should be available as early as October.

Different model in different price ranges

Roku has already been offering the Roku TV software platform since 2014, which can be accessed and used for entertainment purposes via the TVs of various partner companies. Now Roku expanded its activities in that it now also offers its own operating system. The smart TVs of the partner companies are thus much more closely tied to Roku than before. Metz and TCL are the first companies with which Roku has announced such a cooperation. Several TV models are to be offered, ranging in size from 32 to 65 inches and offering resolutions in HD, 4K and 4K QLE quality. In terms of price, there should thus be considerable differences between the individual models.

Large selection and easy to use

Roku has also announced that it wants to score points with a large selection of movie and series offerings as well as ease of use. Both linear television and streaming services are supported. A high degree of customizability is also promised. Users will be able to create their own start page with preferred channels and also arrange the various offerings according to their own preferences. Roku also says it wants to make it possible to set up live TV channels faster than the competition. The setup and sorting of channels should only take a few seconds and be possible regardless of the reception source of the individual assigned channels (satellite, cable or antenna). Furthermore, numerous streaming services can be accessed via the Roku Channel Store. Both free and paid offers are to be included, whereby the free ones are displayed more prominently. The paid offers are sorted by price, so that users can always choose the best offer for them without lengthy research.

Control via app possible

If you want, you can control your smart TV not only via the remote control, but also via an app provided by Roku. This offers some additional functions. For example, a search via voice control is possible. It will also be possible to output the sound via headphones connected to the smartphone. The sound can be output via up to four headphones at the same time – as long as all users have a Roku app installed. Roku also wants to score points for its broad compatibility with smart home offerings. Thus, the devices support Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri as well as Airplay 2, Google Cast and Miracast.

High standards for partner companies

Roku has also made it clear that it has high demands on its partner companies and wants to influence the hardware configuration of the TVs. A good panel quality and a stable WLAN signal, for example, are mandatory. The companies that manufacture the TVs have no influence on the operating system. Roku is solely responsible for the maintenance and updates of the operating system, as well as for the integration of streaming services.