Roku has confirmed user reports that it is testing auto-playing video ads before loading the home screen. Owners of Roku-powered smart TVs are understandably unimpressed …
Owners of Roku devices recently started reporting the ads on Reddit and other forums.
“I just turned on my Roku and got an unskippable ad for a movie, before I got to the regular Roku homescreen. Has anyone else experienced this?”
“I also had that happen today. If it keeps up my Roku devices will be in the trash.”
“Yes this started last night for me. Pretty disappointing and intrusive.”
Roku confirmed the move to Arstechnica, stating that it was a “test.”
When reached for comment, a Roku spokesperson shared a company statement that confirms that the autoplaying ads are expected behavior but not a permanent part of Roku OS currently. Instead, Roku claimed, it was just trying the ad capability out.
Roku’s representative said that Roku’s business “has and will always require continuous testing and innovation across design, navigation, content, and our first-rate advertising products,” adding:
“Our recent test is just the latest example, as we explore new ways to showcase brands and programming while still providing a delightful and simple user experience.”
The ads are supposed to be skippable, with a close option, but not all users are seeing this.
Comments on the Roku forum are equally negative.
“Just turned on my TV to see a video open on the home screen and play some trailer? I hope this was a fluke. I trashed all of my Amazon boxes years ago because of this garbage. If it keeps up, my Rokus will be next.”
“I also got this […] If it happens again, I’ll also be getting rid of all roku products.”
“This is unacceptable and if it continues, I’m trashing this device. How dare you force me, on a device that I ALREADY paid for, to watch a streaming ad before choosing an ap to watch another service. This needs to stop.”
“This is absolutely unacceptable and I will never use or sell a roku device again if this happens. I cannot believe they thought they can get away with a full screen obtrusive ad.”
Many commenters are vowing to dump Roku if the test becomes permanent. Some are saying they’ll switch back to Chromecast, while others suggest Apple TV is the only platform likely to remain free from obtrusive ads.
Photo: Roku
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