Roku OS

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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 release13 / April 10, 2024; 14 days ago (2024-04-10)
Marketing targetStreaming television
Available inEnglish, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese
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]
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, by Roku Inc., which powers consumer electronics such as smart TVs and streaming devices. Based on Linux, it features a user interface linking into Roku's Channel Store. In 2022, the Roku OS reportedly had 70 million users,[4] and led the U.S. smart TV and streaming device sector.[5][6]

The Roku OS serves as a video streaming platform that hosts both free and paid "channels".[7][8] The operating system initially debuted on Roku's streaming devices in 2004,[9] and expanded support to smart TVs starting in 2016. It is also used in Roku-branded home entertainment devices, such as smart speakers, as of 2023.[8][10]

History[edit]

2004–2014: development for digital media players[edit]

In January 2004, Roku's digital media player, called HD1000, was powered by the Roku OS.[9] 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.[9]

2015–2017: support for smart TVs[edit]

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.[11] In June 2016, Roku OS 7.2 was launched which supported Roku's streaming devices as well as Roku-branded TVs.[12] In October 2017, Roku OS 8 was announced. It featured single sign-on for paid TV customers and integration of TV programming from over-the-air TV, among other updates.[13]

2018–2021: vulnerability reports, new features[edit]

In June 2018, WIRED wrote that Roku devices running Roku OS 8.0 or lower were found to be vulnerable to a web attack of type DNS rebinding.[14] 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.[14]

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.[15]

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.[16] 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.[17]

2022–present: further developments[edit]

In March 2022, Roku announced Roku OS 11, adding new audio options, custom photo screensavers etc.[18]

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.[19]

In April 2024, Roku OS 13 was released. The OS update was announced as becoming available for all Roku TV models and a variety of Roku streaming players. The update was reported as offering enhancements to content discovery, browsing and other features including auto-adjusted picture modes and personalized "backdrops".[20]

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][10] According to Roku, the operating system is able to run on "low power chips" using small memory footprints.[21] The operating system has been suggested to be not as “flashy” or "eye-catching" as other similar systems, yet offering an easy access to streaming content.[16]

Roku Channel Store[edit]

The Roku OS includes the Roku Channel Store, featuring a collection of apps Roku calls "channels".[22] The operating system allows users to browse streaming channels available, displayed in a grid format.[8][23] According to mobile app analytics company 42matters, there were over 26,000 apps available in the Roku Channel Store in 2023.[24] Examples of "free channels" available in the store are The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Xumo, NBC, ABC, Tubi, CBS and Pluto 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+ and Hulu.[7][8]

User features[edit]

The Roku OS offers content search, voice control, "private listening" (using bluetooth headphones), "continue watching", "screen mirroring" (to mirror a smartphone screen or a computer screen to TV), "guest mode", parental controls, and custom photo screensavers.[8][25][26] The operating system also includes "Roku City", a screensaver Roku utilizes for advertising.[27][28]

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.[29] 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.[30][31]

Compatibility[edit]

Consumer products running the Roku OS include:

See also[edit]

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 LinuxDevices Staff (2004-01-08). "SDK, coding contest launch around Linux-based HDTV media player". linuxdevices.org. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ Svetlik, Joe (2015-10-06). "Roku OS 7 coming to all Roku devices this month". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  12. ^ "Roku OS software release notes". support.roku.com. 2023-10-05. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ Fingas, Jon (2019-04-09). "Roku saves you from signing into accounts on a new device". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  16. ^ a b Maring, Joseph (2021-04-14). "Roku OS 10: All The New Features & Upgrades Explained". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  17. ^ Lawler, Richard (2021-05-18). "Roku jailbreak gives users control over what channels they install". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  18. ^ Bonifacic, Igor (2022-03-22). "Roku OS 11 adds new audio options, photo screensavers and more". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  19. ^ Welch, Chris (2023-10-04). "Roku's next update focuses on sports, live TV, and easier content discovery". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  20. ^ Fletcher, Bevin (2024-04-11). "Roku updates streaming OS experience with art backdrops, discovery features". www.streamtvinsider.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  21. ^ Frankellast, Daniel (2020-09-17). "Roku Devices Are 'Much Cheaper to Build' vs. Android TV, CFO Says". NextTV. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  22. ^ Krol, Jake (2018-12-23). "Roku Premiere and Premiere+ review: You should consider only one". Mashable. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  23. ^ Button, Chris (2022-11-04). "Roku TV finally comes to Australia courtesy of TCL". GadgetGuy. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  24. ^ Casey, Henry T. (2023-03-23). "Roku Streaming Stick 4K review: The new best streaming device". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  25. ^ Rahmat, Omid (2023-03-10). "Roku and Google Updated Their TV Apps". displaydaily.com. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  26. ^ Patterson, Ben (2022-09-12). "Roku OS 11.5 boosts "continue watching" and "save list" features". TechHive. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  27. ^ Walker, Rob (2023-07-28). "Why is Roku's stock soaring? Take a look at Roku City". www.fastcompany.com. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ Snider, Mike (2015-04-30). "Nielsen teams with Roku to measure Net video viewership". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  30. ^ Keck, Catie (2021-10-29). "Roku launches new personal-use developer kit". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-10-31.
  31. ^ Siegal, Jacob (2022-02-26). "Roku just added a great new feature that Netflix has had for years". BGR. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  32. ^ Onawole, Habeeb (2022-09-13). "Roku OS 11.5: All The New Features Coming To Your Roku Device". Screen Rant. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  33. ^ Spangler, Todd (2023-01-04). "Roku Announces First Smart TVs Designed and Made by the Company". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  34. ^ 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.
  35. ^ Baig, Edward C. "First Look: New Roku 4 adds 4K streaming". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  36. ^ Silva, Robert (2020-03-17). "Spotlight on Hitachi 4K Ultra HD TVs with Built-in Roku Streaming". Lifewire. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  37. ^ Spangler, Todd (2022-10-13). "Roku Channel Launches in Mexico". Variety. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  38. ^ KRIEGER, JÖRN (2022-09-01). "Roku launches Roku TV OS in Germany". Broadband TV News. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
  39. ^ Archer, John (2023-07-23). "New Roku TVs Launch In UK Courtesy Of Polaroid". Forbes. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  40. ^ Willcox, James K. (2022-03-19). "TV Brands Aren't Always What They Seem". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
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