Shock and anger for many Roku users. The manufacturer is currently testing a new feature that is certainly excellent for the company's coffers, but perceived very negatively by its customers: before accessing the menu of their streaming box or connected TV, they have to sit through an ad. And the video is impossible to To pass, you must read it in its entirety before being able to choose a program...
Innovation or abuse?
Roku lives largely on advertising revenue. If the company's products are very affordable, it's because the margins achieved are very modest, if not zero. Very often, Roku devices are "subsidized" by advertising. This is what motivated the appearance on the home screen of static advertising... and recently, video banner ads.
But for the past few days, it's actually a spot that launches before you can even access its content. In this case, it's a spot for the film "Moana 2." But regardless of the nature of the video, it completely imposes itself on viewers.
Interviewed by ArsTechnica, a Roku spokesperson confirmed that this is not a bug but expected behavior. He clarified that it's a test and not a permanent feature (for the moment). Roku's business has “always required and will always require continuous testing and innovation in design, navigation, content, and our best-in-class advertising products.” He also says this test is the latest example, “as we explore new ways to showcase brands and programming while delivering a user experience that is enjoyable and simple.” Not sure the word “enjoyable” comes to mind when you require viewing an ad before you can even access his device.
Source: ArsTechnica
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