Roku has officially acknowledged user complaints regarding the testing of auto-playing video ads that appear before the home screen loads. Many owners of Roku-powered smart TVs have voiced their frustration on platforms like Reddit and other forums, highlighting their dissatisfaction with this intrusive advertising approach.
Recent reports from Roku users have surfaced, revealing that they encountered unskippable ads for movies immediately upon turning on their devices. One user lamented, “I just turned on my Roku and got an unskippable ad for a movie before I got to the regular Roku home screen. Has anyone else experienced this?” Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing that if this trend continues, they would consider disposing of their Roku devices. Comments like, “This is absolutely unacceptable and I will never use or sell a Roku device again if this happens,” illustrate the growing discontent among users.
In response to the backlash, Roku confirmed to Ars Technica that this ad implementation is merely a “test.” A spokesperson for the company emphasized that while the auto-playing ads are currently part of a testing phase, they are not intended to be a permanent feature of the Roku OS. The representative stated, “Our business has and will always require continuous testing and innovation across design, navigation, content, and our first-rate advertising products.” This indicates that Roku is exploring new ways to enhance brand visibility while striving to maintain a user-friendly experience.
While Roku claims the ads are designed to be skippable with a close option, numerous users report that this feature is not functioning as intended. Comments on Roku forums reflect a strong negative sentiment, with one user stating, “I hope this was a fluke. I trashed all of my Amazon boxes years ago because of this garbage. If it keeps up, my Rokus will be next.” This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that such ads are an unwelcome intrusion on a device they have already purchased.
The feedback from users indicates a potential shift in consumer loyalty, with many threatening to abandon Roku for alternatives like Chromecast or Apple TV. Comments suggest that users are seeking platforms that prioritize their viewing experience without the burden of intrusive ads. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Roku will address these concerns and whether the testing phase will lead to permanent changes in their advertising strategy.
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