Roku, a popular streaming platform, is testing unskippable ad videos that play before the home screen loads on select devices. Users are outraged and threatening to abandon the service if this practice becomes permanent.
The company claims the ads are an “official test” aimed at showcasing brands and programming while maintaining a user-friendly experience. However, key details about the rollout remain unclear. Customers, including those who participated in the initial testing phase, have expressed their discontent on social media, urging Roku to reconsider its approach.
This aggressive ad plan is not unique to Roku. Google and Samsung also display ads on their streaming devices. Nevertheless, some platforms, like Apple TV, have managed to avoid this issue by staying away from ads.
As the trend of incorporating ads in smart TVs continues, customers may need to consider alternative options if they prefer an ad-free experience.
Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/rokus-auto-ads-start-up