Roku’s latest Roku OS update introduces Roku Labs, a new hub where U.S. customers can access experimental apps made by the company. The still-in-development apps appear through a new tile on the Roku Home Screen.
Roku said the initial offerings include apps for tracking weather and stocks, along with Roku Dash. In the game, users fly a UFO across Roku City, the company’s neon cityscape screensaver that includes pop-culture references and advertising.
The update also expands Roku’s newer personalized Home Screen to additional markets, including Mexico and Brazil. Those versions will offer region-specific features such as localized content and tailored suggestions. Roku’s Voice assistant will also answer weather-related questions.
For streaming, Roku will offer bundled subscriptions in the U.S. and Mexico. Customers can mix and match plans from smaller services including AMC+, Fox ONE, Hallmark+, Howdy, and Starz. Roku says these bundles are usually more affordable than buying each plan separately.
Roku also said it is open-sourcing the software behind its remote, Roku LT OS. The move could allow outside developers and makers to build applications and devices. The additions suggest Roku is investing more in first-party apps as it competes with AI-powered connected-TV products from Google and Amazon, including Gemini and Alexa+.
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