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Roku OS
Screenshot of the Roku OS home screen
DeveloperRoku, Inc.
Written inC, BrightScript, SceneGraph
OS familyLinux on embedded systems
Working stateCurrent
Released to
manufacturing		2004
Latest release14 / September 24, 2024; 2 months ago (2024-09-24)
Marketing targetStreaming television
Available inEnglish, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
Update methodOver-the-air update
Package managerropm[1]
PlatformsARM Cortex-A53, ARM Cortex-A55, ARM Cortex-A73, ARM Cortex A35, ARM quad core 1 GHz, ARM dual core 1.2 GHz,[2][3] MIPS 1 GHz
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
Default
user interface		Graphical (Multi-touch)
LicenseProprietary
Official websitewww.roku.com/how-it-works/roku-os

The Roku OS is an operating system software developed by Roku Inc. It has powered consumer electronics products such as Roku-branded streaming players and smart TVs since 2004. The operating system leads the U.S. smart TV sector and reports 70 million users, as of 2023.[4][5][6]

The Roku OS functions as a streaming platform that hosts both "free" and paid streaming channels through its graphical user interface.[7][8] It has been reported to be simple and easy to set up and use, yet powerful.[9][10][11][12] The operating system initially powered Roku's streaming players in 2004, extended support for smart TVs in 2014, and since also to Roku-branded home entertainment devices such as smart speakers, as of 2023.[13][8][14]

History

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2004–2013: Origin as a media player OS

[edit]

In January 2004, Roku's digital media player, called HD1000, was powered by the Roku OS.[13] The Roku OS was reportedly based on Linux with kernel version 2.4.18, and leveraged open-source software, including Samba, Busybox, jpeglib, and zlib. The Roku OS also accompanied a C/C++ based software development kit (SDK), for its media player, in order to provide a development environment supporting Windows, Mac, or Linux-based hosts.[13]

2014–2017: Extension to smart TVs

[edit]

According to a news report in August 2014, The Roku OS featured on a Hisense TV model.[15] Later, in June 2015, it was reported that the operating system powered an Insignia TV model.[16] In October 2015, Roku announced the release of Roku OS 7. This release allowed television viewers using Roku’s streaming devices to "follow" actors, directors, as well as TV shows and films.[17] In June 2016, Roku OS 7.2 was launched,[18] followed by a Roku OS 8 release announcement in October 2017. The latter operating system release featured single sign-on for paid TV customers and integration of TV programming from over-the-air TV, among other updates.[19]

2018–2021: New features, vulnerabilities

[edit]

In June 2018, WIRED wrote that Roku devices running Roku OS 8.0 or lower were found to be vulnerable to a type of web attack known as DNS rebinding.[20] The WIRED article also cited Roku as saying that it had created a software patch in response, and was rolling out the patch to its customers.[20]

April 2019 saw the release of Roku OS 9.1 adding "automatic account linking" (sparing users from re-entering login credentials previously entered on a Roku streaming device or TV), genre search, smarter voice control and other features.[21]

In April 2021, Roku announced the release of Roku OS 10, which featured "instant resume" for streaming channels, automatic configuration for gaming consoles, AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support to Roku HD streaming boxes and TVs etc.[9] In May 2021, Engadget reported on an "exploit" which took advantage of two vulnerabilities, in Roku OS versions lower than 10, to enable a "persistent root jailbreak" on Roku devices. The exploit gave users control over what channels they installed. Roku stated in response that it had mitigated the vulnerabilities by updating Roku OS 9.4.[22]

2022–present: Usage growth

[edit]

In March 2022, Roku announced Roku OS 11, adding new audio options, custom photo screensavers etc.[23]

In March 2023, the Roku OS was reported to have 70 million active accounts[4] and to have led the US smart TV and streaming device sector in 2022.[5][6] In October 2023, Roku announced Roku OS 12.5, which focused on sports, live TV, and easier content discovery.[24]

In April 2024, the Roku OS was reported to be the TV operating system with the largest share of TVs sold in the U.S. and Mexico during January-March 2024, accounting for approximately 40% of sales in each country.[25] In the same month, Roku OS 13 was released. The OS update was announced for all Roku TV models and many Roku streaming players. The update was said to offer enhancements to content discovery, browsing and other features including auto-adjusted picture modes and personalized "backdrops".[26]

In September 2024, Roku announced the release of Roku OS 14. This update featured a new "Kid & Family zone" added to the home screen, an ability to give a thumbs up or thumbs down to content and an option to use voice commands to update smart TV settings, among other changes.[27][28] Starting on 29-Sep-2024 when OS 14 was deployed, many Tablo 4th Generation DVRs either could no longer play at all, or after settings adjustments, would play but without any audio.[29] As of 1-Nov-2024, this issue remains unresolved.[30]

Features

[edit]

The Roku OS is a Linux-based streaming platform which runs "free channels" and "subscription channels". The operating system powers Roku TVs, streaming devices and smart speakers.[7][8][14] According to Roku, the operating system is able to run on "low power chips" using small memory footprints.[31] The operating system has been reported to be simple and easy to set up and use, yet powerful.[9][10][11][12]

Roku Channel Store

[edit]

The Roku OS includes the Roku Channel Store, featuring a collection of apps Roku calls "channels".[32] The operating system allows users to browse streaming channels available, displayed in a grid format.[8][33] According to mobile app analytics company 42matters, there were over 26,000 apps available in the Roku Channel Store in 2023.[34] Examples of "free channels" available in the store are The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Xumo, NBC, ABC, Tubi, PBS, CBS, Pluto TV and Kiddoodle.tv, whereas the "subscription channels" include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hayu, Paramount+, BET+, Curiosity Stream, Eros Now, AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, DAZN, Mubi, Discovery+, Crackle, Crunchyroll, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Hotstar, Disney+, Kidoodle.TV and Hulu.[7][8]

Roku Media Player

[edit]

Roku Media Player, which is part of Roku OS, is built to play local media content streamed from a DLNA server, such as Twonky or Windows Media Player, or (for compatible models) content from an inserted USB device, such as a pen drive.[35][36]

User features

[edit]

The Roku OS offers content search, voice control, parental controls, and custom photo screensavers. It also features a "guest mode", "private listening" (using Bluetooth headphones), "continue watching", and "screen mirroring" which allows to mirror a smartphone or computer screen to the Roku device, supporting both Miracast and AirPlay protocols.[37][38][8][39][40] The operating system also includes "Roku City", a screensaver Roku utilizes for advertising.[41][42]

Developer tools

[edit]

According to Roku, the Roku OS integrates tools which allow the company's channel publishers and advertisers to measure the effectiveness of online video advertisements delivered by the company.[43] Roku OS 10.5 or higher supports an "independent developer kit" (IDK), built for Roku devices, which Roku says allows developers to create not only streaming channels but also other applications.[44][45]

Compatibility

[edit]

Consumer products running the Roku OS include:

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ RokuCommunity (September 2023). "A package manager for the Roku platform". Github. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
  2. ^ Palermo (2021-10-15). "Roku Streaming Stick 4K Review: Midrange, But Definitely Not Middling". Cord Cutters News. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  3. ^ Palermo (2020-10-15). "Roku Ultra 2020 Review: More Speed, More Features, and a Bit More Ultra". Cord Cutters News. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  4. ^ a b Sarangapurkar, Vishnu (2023-03-09). "Roku is getting a big update, brings its new smart TVs to Best Buy". Android Central. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  5. ^ a b Lee, Wendy (2022-01-12). "Roku doubles down on L.A. as it makes big programming push". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  6. ^ a b "Android TV, Fire TV grew streaming OS market share with new strategies in 2022". www.spglobal.com. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  7. ^ a b c Price, Dan (2019-12-13). "What's the Best Smart TV Operating System?". MUO. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Cohen, Simon (2023-08-04). "What is Roku? The streaming platform fully explained". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  9. ^ a b c Maring, Joseph (2021-04-14). "Roku OS 10: All The New Features & Upgrades Explained". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  10. ^ a b McGregor, Janhoi. "Roku Prices Have Tumbled By Up To 33% For Amazon Prime Day". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  11. ^ a b Shanto, Abid Ahsan (2024-07-01). "Top Roku OS Features to Get the Most Out of Your Smart TV". Gizchina.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  12. ^ a b updated, Kelly Woo last (2022-02-17). "Roku not working? How to solve common Roku problems". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  13. ^ a b c LinuxDevices Staff (2004-01-08). "SDK, coding contest launch around Linux-based HDTV media player". linuxdevices.org. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  14. ^ a b c Jarvey, Natalie (2018-01-03). "CES: Roku Expands Into Audio Devices With Home Entertainment Licensing Program". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  15. ^ Truong, Alice (2014-08-19). "For Upcoming TVs, Roku Nixes The Input Button And Slims Down The Remote To 20 Keys". fastcompany.com. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  16. ^ "Insignia Roku TV brings streaming video to your living room". Dallas News. 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  17. ^ Svetlik, Joe (2015-10-06). "Roku OS 7 coming to all Roku devices this month". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  18. ^ "Roku OS software release notes". support.roku.com. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  19. ^ Goode, Lauren (2017-10-02). "Roku rolls out Roku OS 8, refreshes TV hardware with 4K and faster processors". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  20. ^ a b Newman, Lily Hay (2018-06-19). "Millions of Streaming Devices Are Vulnerable to a Retro Web Attack". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  21. ^ Fingas, Jon (2019-04-09). "Roku saves you from signing into accounts on a new device". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  22. ^ Lawler, Richard (2021-05-18). "Roku jailbreak gives users control over what channels they install". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  23. ^ Bonifacic, Igor (2022-03-22). "Roku OS 11 adds new audio options, photo screensavers and more". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  24. ^ Welch, Chris (2023-10-04). "Roku's next update focuses on sports, live TV, and easier content discovery". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  25. ^ Tamanini, Matt (2024-04-25). "Roku Reports 81.6 Million Households Used Its Platform in Q1 2024; Streaming Hours on Pace to Pass 120 Billion in 2024". The Streamable. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  26. ^ Fletcher, Bevin (2024-04-11). "Roku updates streaming OS experience with art backdrops, discovery features". www.streamtvinsider.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  27. ^ Nickinson, Phil (2024-09-24). "Roku OS 14 is for the kids, and the voice control users". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  28. ^ Washenko, Anna (2024-09-24). "Roku says its new Ultra streaming box is 30 percent faster". Engadget. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  29. ^ Rieff, Amanda (2024-09-29). "Roku 14 and Live Grid Concerns". Tablo Community. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
  30. ^ D, Emmanuel (2024-10-25). "Re: Tablo 4 not working after 14.0 update". Roku Community. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  31. ^ Frankellast, Daniel (2020-09-17). "Roku Devices Are 'Much Cheaper to Build' vs. Android TV, CFO Says". NextTV. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  32. ^ Krol, Jake (2018-12-23). "Roku Premiere and Premiere+ review: You should consider only one". Mashable. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  33. ^ Button, Chris (2022-11-04). "Roku TV finally comes to Australia courtesy of TCL". GadgetGuy. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  34. ^ Casey, Henry T. (2023-03-23). "Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: The new best streaming device". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  35. ^ Roku. "How to use Roku Media Player to play your videos, music and photos|Share media over USB or network". Roku. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  36. ^ "Roku Media Player | TV app | Roku Channel Store". Roku. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
  37. ^ updated, Marshall HonorofContributions from Kelly Woo last (2022-02-17). "How to Mirror Your Android or Windows Screen With Roku". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  38. ^ Roku. "Apple AirPlay and HomeKit now available on 4K Roku devices". Roku. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  39. ^ Rahmat, Omid (2023-03-10). "Roku and Google Updated Their TV Apps". displaydaily.com. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  40. ^ Patterson, Ben (2022-09-12). "Roku OS 11.5 boosts "continue watching" and "save list" features". TechHive. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  41. ^ Walker, Rob (2023-07-28). "Why is Roku's stock soaring? Take a look at Roku City". www.fastcompany.com. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  42. ^ Winkie, Luke (2022-11-02). "Pack Your Bags, We're Moving to 'Roku City'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  43. ^ Snider, Mike (2015-04-30). "Nielsen teams with Roku to measure Net video viewership". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  44. ^ Keck, Catie (2021-10-29). "Roku launches new personal-use developer kit". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  45. ^ Siegal, Jacob (2022-02-26). "Roku just added a great new feature that Netflix has had for years". BGR. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  46. ^ Onawole, Habeeb (2022-09-13). "Roku OS 11.5: All The New Features Coming To Your Roku Device". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  47. ^ Spangler, Todd (2023-01-04). "Roku Announces First Smart TVs Designed and Made by the Company". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  48. ^ Hecht, Anna (2020-01-27). "Roku was the top tech stock in 2019; here's how much you'd have if you invested at IPO". CNBC. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  49. ^ Baig, Edward C. "First Look: New Roku 4 adds 4K streaming". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  50. ^ Silva, Robert (2020-03-17). "Spotlight on Hitachi 4K Ultra HD TVs with Built-in Roku Streaming". Lifewire. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  51. ^ Spangler, Todd (2022-10-13). "Roku Channel Launches in Mexico". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  52. ^ KRIEGER, JÖRN (2022-09-01). "Roku launches Roku TV OS in Germany". Broadband TV News. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  53. ^ Archer, John (2023-07-23). "New Roku TVs Launch In UK Courtesy Of Polaroid". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  54. ^ Willcox, James K. (2022-03-19). "TV Brands Aren't Always What They Seem". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
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