roku Archives - Lon Seidman & Lon.TV Blog

Roku Buried Your Apps. Here’s How to Get Them Back

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:31:44 +0000

For more than a decade, the Roku interface remained largely unchanged, defined by a simple grid of applications and an ad on the right hand side of the page. Following a recent update, however, the home screen now features a significant redesign that prioritizes promotional content and pushes the old app interface “below the fold.” This new layout introduces “top picks,” a quick access menu, and several rows of advertising-supported links and curation features that users must scroll through before reaching their own apps.

In my latest video, I look at how you can turn off these features and return to the old interface!

For those who prefer the original, minimalist design, these features can be disabled. By navigating to the settings menu and selecting the home screen options, it is possible to hide the recommendation rows and the quick access menu. Once these are turned off, the interface reverts to its previous state, placing installed applications back at the center of the screen. Users can also manually reorganize their apps as before by using the star button to move preferred services, such as Netflix, to the top of the list.

The push for monetization extends beyond the home screen and into the device’s idle state. The “Roku City” screensaver, long a staple of the platform, now includes targeted advertisements. Those who wish to avoid ads on their screensaver can switch to an ad-free screensaver like “Aquatic Life” or some of the other ad-free options in the settings screen.

There are also deeper privacy implications to consider within the system settings. Roku utilizes a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which is designed to monitor what is being watched on the screen. This system sends a digital fingerprint of the images to a central server, allowing the company to provide data to advertisers about viewing habits. This occurs even when using apps Roku does not control or when watching content through an external device connected via HDMI. In the privacy section of the settings menu, users can disable ACR and the content viewing disclosure to limit this data collection. Additionally, checking the option to “limit use of sensitive information” and opting out of personalized ads provides a further layer of control over how personal data is handled.

The shift toward a more intrusive interface is a reflection of Roku’s evolving business model. The company is no longer primarily a hardware manufacturer; instead, its operating system serves as a vehicle for a massive advertising and content platform. Financial reports indicate that Roku generates approximately $5 billion in annual revenue, yet only about 11% of that comes from hardware sales. Roughly half of its revenue, $2.5 billion, is derived from advertising, with the remainder coming from subscriptions serviced on behalf of other providers. This revenue structure has made Roku an attractive acquisition target for Fox Broadcasting, who is in the process of a $22 billion dollar acquisition of the platform.

Every pixel on the screen that is not being used for advertising represents potential revenue left on the table. The company recognizes that most users will not navigate deep into the settings to disable these features or opt out of data tracking. While alternative hardware like the Apple TV offers a different experience, those who choose to stay with their current equipment can still maintain a level of privacy and simplicity by taking a few minutes to adjust their preferences and, if necessary, disconnecting their smart televisions from the internet entirely. Managing these settings is the most direct way to ensure the device remains a tool for viewing content rather than a tool for monitoring the viewer.

Fox to Acquire Roku in a $22 Billion Deal.. What’s Next?

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:38:51 +0000

The landscape of streaming TV shifted Monday with the announcement that Fox Broadcasting is set to acquire Roku. What will the implications of this $22 billion deal be for the average television viewer?

In my latest video, I dive into the details the two companies released during an investor call.

Roku’s current position in the market is a primary driver for this acquisition. The company currently accounts for 44% of total hours spent viewing connected TV content by brand in the United States. This dominance is not just limited to their standalone streaming sticks but extends to the numerous television sets that use the Roku operating system.

Over the last year, Roku reported approximately $5 billion in revenue, with advertising accounting for half of that figure. The business has transitioned away from hardware, which now represents only about 11% of their revenue, toward a model built on ad sales, data collection for targeted marketing, and a share of subscription fees from third-party services like Netflix.

For Fox, the acquisition provides a path to the top tier of the streaming market. By combining its existing viewership with the Roku Channel, Fox moves into a competitive position alongside industry leaders, trailing only YouTube in terms of market share and gaining ground on Netflix and Paramount. The company expects significant growth in both connected TV advertising and streaming subscriptions through this integrated platform.

Based on the details provided in the investor call, users should expect noticeable changes to the Roku interface. One of the key shifts involves the promotion of Fox-owned content and properties. The current “top picks” and algorithmic recommendations will likely favor Fox programming over other partners. The sports section is also expected to feature a heavier concentration of Fox Sports content. There is a possibility that the traditional grid of apps, which many users prefer for its simplicity, may be moved further down the screen to make room for these promoted recommendations and additional advertising spaces.

While Fox representatives stated they intend to maintain a level of “neutrality” toward other providers like Disney—partly because Roku earns revenue from selling those subscriptions—the emphasis on organic-looking Fox recommendations suggests a more curated experience. The core functionality of the devices is expected to remain intact, as the value of Roku has always depended on its ability to host a wide variety of streaming services. However, the path a user takes to find their preferred apps is likely to require navigating around Fox’s priorities.

The acquisition is structured as a mix of 60% cash and 40% stock, valuing Roku at $160 per share. Once the deal is finalized, Fox shareholders will own 73% of the combined entity, while Roku shareholders will hold the remaining 27%. Anthony Wood, the founder of Roku who previously established ReplayTV, is slated to remain on the board.

The deal still requires approval from shareholders and government regulators. with the companies anticipating the deal closing sometime in 2027. Watching how the interface evolves as we approach the closing date will provide the best indication of what the future of this hardware will look like in a Fox-owned ecosystem.

Budget Roku Project Review: Aurzen D1R

admin — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:39:10 +0000

I recently spent some time with what is now the second Roku-integrated projector to hit the market, a lower-cost model from the same company that produced the first. This one does much of what the earlier one did, it comes in at a lower price (compensated affiliate link) and with a few compromises.

You can check it out in my latest review!

The most noticeable difference is brightness. At around 280 ANSI lumens, it’s dimmer than the already-modest output of the more expensive version, which means it really needs a completely dark room to look its best. In a typical office environment with lights on, the image was barely visible, so blinds and darkness are key to making this unit workable. Once the room is dark enough, the image looks similar to the brighter model, suggesting the optics are largely the same.

Aside from brightness, the cuts are mostly in audio. The built-in speakers are small and thin-sounding, especially compared with the fuller audio on the company’s higher-end projector. For a movie night, plugging in external speakers through the headphone jack would be a better approach. The projector does at least preserve the connectivity of the earlier version: a USB port for media files, HDMI for external devices, and full access to the Roku TV environment, which includes Netflix and other mainstream apps with no restrictions.

Gaming wasn’t a strong point on the previous model and it isn’t here either. Input lag measured is among the worst projectors I’ve tested and is too slow for twitchy games and noticeable even in “game mode.” For slideshows or basic non-interactive content, that lag doesn’t matter much, but anyone considering it as a budget gaming display should temper expectations.

The experience of its built-in interface feels familiar if you’ve spent time with any Roku TV. It’s responsive enough, similar to Roku’s lower-end streamers, and apps like Netflix and YouTube performed normally delivering 1080p visuals and decent performance at 60 fps on YouTube.

The projector also carries over some conveniences from the earlier model, including autofocus and auto-keystone each time it’s moved or powered on, with manual adjustments available in the settings. There are no physical adjustments, however, it’s all done via software. Casting support is broad—YouTube casting works as expected, AirPlay functions nicely with iPhone and Mac, and I was even able to run a Keynote presentation using dual-display mode, with presenter notes on the phone and slides on the wall. Miracast works too, giving Android and Windows users options. The Roku mobile app adds private listening, a better on-screen keyboard, and shortcuts into apps or titles.

All of Roku’s usual privacy toggles are here as well, and by default they’re switched on. Automatic content recognition, in particular, is worth disabling if you prefer not to have HDMI input fingerprinted for advertising data. A few settings pages take care of that, and it’s something worth doing on any Roku TV device.

As a budget projector with Roku built in, this model delivers what it promises. It runs mainstream apps reliably, produces a watchable image in the right environment, and includes the Roku conveniences people are used to. It’s not bright enough for daytime use without dark room conditions, and it’s not a gaming display by any stretch. But with expectations set accordingly, it fits the niche it aims for.

See more projector reviews here!