Roku launches Roku Labs hub for experimental apps in the US — TechCrunch
Roku has introduced an update to Roku OS featuring a new Roku Labs section, where users in the United States will be able to access the company’s experimental apps that are still under development. TechCrunch reports.
Experimental apps on the home screen
Roku Labs will be available through a separate tile on the home screen of Roku devices. At launch, the section will feature apps for tracking weather and stock quotes, as well as the Roku Dash game.
In Roku Dash, players must control a UFO flying over Roku City, Roku’s standard screensaver featuring a neon purple-and-pink cityscape, pop culture elements, and advertisements.
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New features and subscription bundles
The updated personalized Roku home screen will also become available in Mexico and Brazil. The company has provided localized content and personalized recommendations for these markets. Roku’s voice assistant, in turn, will be able to answer questions about the weather.
In the United States and Mexico, Roku plans to offer subscription bundles in which users will be able to combine plans from AMC+, Fox ONE, Hallmark+, Howdy, and Starz. Such bundles usually cost less than subscribing to each service separately.
Open source for the Roku remote
The company also announced the opening of the source code for Roku LT OS, the software used in the Roku remote control. This could allow third-party developers and manufacturers to create their own apps and devices.
