Latest news with #RokuOS
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Critical' warning for millions of Brits over list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that leave you with broken TV
A "CRITICAL" warning has been given to millions of Brits over a list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that can leave you with a broken TV. Streaming sticks provide access to the biggest apps around, as well as some hidden gems packed with free TV and channels to watch instantly. Advertisement 3 A "critical' warning has been given for millions of Brits over a list of doomed Fire Stick alternatives that can leave you with a broken TV Credit: amazon 3 Roku users with older streaming players need to face a critical decision about upgrading their stick. Credit: Getty Many legacy Roku devices have reached the end of their lifecycle and users need to face a critical decision about upgrading. Because Roku and its channel partners, including Netflix, have ceased providing software updates and support for these models . This means that a growing number of apps are either malfunctioning or completely incompatible. This leaves users with outdated devices unable to access the full streaming experience they once enjoyed. Advertisement Tech News With streaming technology evolving rapidly, these older players lack the processing power and software capabilities to keep up with modern app requirements. Roku has therefore recommended upgrading to newer models for a seamless experience reports The decision to end support for older devices stems from the increasing complexity of streaming apps. Which requires more robust hardware to deliver high-definition video, enhanced user interfaces, and new features like 4K resolution and HDR. Advertisement Most read in Tech Without updates, the devices are stuck on old versions of the Roku OS, causing apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube to buffer endlessly, display errors, or fail to load entirely. For instance, Netflix, ESPN+ and more will fail to load, citing compatibility issues with its updated app. Owners of dodgy Fire Sticks for illegal streaming warned of unexpected danger that's already affected 2.7million people Other services have followed suit, and the list of unsupported apps continues to grow, leaving these devices increasingly obsolete. The following Roku models are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc: Advertisement The Roku HD (pre-2011), Roku HD-XR (pre-2011), Roku SD (pre-2011), Roku XD (pre-2011) and the Roku XDS (pre-2011). The Roku LT (Model: 2700X), Roku 1, Roku 2, and the Roku 2 HD/XD/XS (2011) and the Roku Streaming Stick (Model: 3500X). Roku Models No Longer Supported The following Roku models are no longer supported, meaning they will not receive new Roku OS updates, firmware patches, etc. Roku HD (pre-2011) Roku HD-XR (pre-2011) Roku SD (pre-2011) Roku XD (pre-2011) Roku XDS (pre-2011) Roku LT (Model: 2700X) Roku 1 Roku 2 Roku 2 HD (2011) Roku 2 XD (2011) Roku 2 XS (2011) Roku Streaming Stick (Model: 3500X) Roku has encouraged affected users to upgrade and now is a great time with many Roku players are on sale. Advertisement For those who want the best picture quality, The streaming gadget giant also claims that its sticks are among the most compact around, coming in at 35 per cent smaller than rivals "without compromising performance or speed". These devices also offer features like universal search and enhanced remotes, which are absent on legacy models. While older devices may still function for some apps, the risk of further service disruptions makes upgrading a necessity for those that want to enjoy their streaming. Advertisement 3 Older devices may still function for some apps but the risk of further service disruptions makes upgrading a necessity Credit: Walmart
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roku Earnings: An Uncertain Outlook
Roku beat expectations for the first quarter, with strong platform growth driving double-digit revenue growth. The company expects solid platform growth in the second quarter, although devices revenue is set to tumble as tariffs kick in. Roku reiterated its platform revenue outlook for the full year, but uncertainty remains high. Here's our initial take on Roku's (NASDAQ: ROKU) first-quarter financial report. Metric Q1 2024 Q1 2025 Change vs. Expectations Revenue $882 million $1,021 million +16% Beat Earnings per share ($0.35) ($0.19) N/A Beat Platform revenue $755 million $881 million +17% n/a Free cash flow $427 million $298 million -30% n/a Roku beat analyst estimates in the first quarter on the strength of its Platform revenue, which includes advertising revenue, streaming services distribution revenue, and licensing fees. Platform revenue rose by 17% to $880.8 million, with a gross margin of 52.7%. Devices revenue jumped by 11% to $139.9 million and generated a negative gross margin. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue » Revenue from streaming services distribution was driven by premium subscription sign-ups as well as price increases across available streaming services initiated last year. The company now handles tens of millions of streaming subscriptions. Advertising revenue grew faster than the overall U.S. over-the-top ad market in the first quarter, driven by Roku's growing reach among consumers and improvements to its ad platform. Looking ahead to the second quarter, Roku expects platform revenue to grow by 14% year over year and achieve a gross margin of 51%. Devices revenue is expected to decline by 10% year over year, although the company expects full-year devices revenue to be similar to its results for 2024. Roku's outlook comes with more questions than usual given the macroeconomic uncertainty created by U.S. tariff policy. Despite high levels of uncertainty, Roku continues to believe it can reach positive operating profit in 2026. Roku stock was down about 5% in early after-hours trading soon after the first-quarter report was released. Roku's devices are assembled in China, so the company's device sales are likely exposed to the current tariffs on Chinese imports. While device revenue is far smaller than platform revenue, onboarding fewer new Roku users due to a slump in device sales could hurt platform revenue growth. While Roku beat expectations in the first quarter, tariff-related uncertainty appears to be weighing on investors. Some electronics, including TV displays, are currently excluded from the worst of the U.S. tariffs on China, although that could change at any time. Even if TVs remain exempt, an economic slowdown could lead to lower TV sales, including those running Roku OS. Roku's platform growth depends partly on growing the base of users accessing its platform. Roku already has a vast base of users that access its platform through Roku devices or TVs running Roku OS, but any slowdown in user acquisition could hit the platform business. Roku reiterated its previous guidance for platform revenue in 2025, but there's a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Full earnings report Investor relations page Before you buy stock in Roku, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Roku wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $610,327!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $667,581!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 882% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 161% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of April 28, 2025 Timothy Green has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Roku. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Roku Earnings: An Uncertain Outlook was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Buy Power Up Sale early access: We have exclusive discount codes that will save you up to $1,070
Best Buy Canada's popular Power Up Sale is still a few days away, but you don't have to wait to save. We've got exclusive early access discount codes that can save you up to a whopping $1,070 (seriously!) on TVs, kitchen appliances, headphones and more goodies. From today, March 18, to March 20, you can score some pretty epic deals — before the sale officially kicks off. We've listed 10 of the best early deals that can save you tons of cash. Keep scrolling to dive into these must-have bargains, and check back later this week for more Power Up Sale deals. FYI — you'll have to enter these discount codes on the final page of checkout, after you enter your credit card information (on the "Review order" page). Don't forget! This air fryer has two separate baskets, so you can cook up your main meal and side dish simultaneously, resulting in a super speedy cooking time. Shoppers claim it's "absolutely perfect." This clever little robot vacuum and mop will map your space and plan an efficient cleaning route. Plus, it has a 4.6L dustbin, which will help minimize emptying breaks. Looking to upgrade your television? This 50-inch Samsung smart TV is the perfect device. It boasts top-tier picture quality with minimized motion blur, as well as enhanced audio. You can't go wrong with Beats headphones, and these over-ear ones are perfect for noise cancellation. They will block out unwanted external chatter while providing unmatched clarity while taking calls or listening to your favourite tunes. If you love your espresso, this Bosch machine is totally worth every penny. It features a user-friendly interface with touch control for a seamless experience. It also has a milk frothing system to help whip up some tasty drinks. Travelling somewhere soon? You'll want to ensure you have good quality luggage that can fit everything you need. This three-piece Samsonite set comes with a large spinner (101L capacity), medium spinner (65L capacity) and carry-on spinner (39L capacity). If you plan on travelling with nothing but a carry-on, this Bugatti one is a great option. It also comes with a three-piece packing cube set to keep all of your contents nice and organized. This luxe hair dryer will dry and style your locks, thanks to its handy attachments. It comes with a diffuser nozzle for defined curls and a smooth nozzle to make your hair sleek and shiny. Go big or go home with this 75-inch smart TV! You can save an epic $500 for a limited time. It has a Roku OS, which will allow instant access to a wide range of entertainment. If you want to speed up your cleaning time, this Tineco vacuum and mop is just the device you need. It works to vacuum and wash your floors in one step, saving you lots of time and hassle.
WIRED
18-03-2025
- WIRED
Roku Tests Showing Ads Before the Home Screen Loads
Scharon Harding, Ars Technica Users in the test group are unimpressed by the video ads, which play automatically. Customers say they will be eager to toss their Roku devices if the ads become permanent. Owners of smart TVs and streaming sticks running Roku OS are already subject to video advertisements on the home screen. Now, Roku is testing what it might look like if it took things a step further and forced people to watch a video ad play before getting to the Roku OS home screen. This story originally appeared on Ars Technica, a trusted source for technology news, tech policy analysis, reviews, and more. Ars is owned by WIRED's parent company, Condé Nast. Reports of Roku customers seeing video ads automatically play before they could view the OS' home screen started appearing online this week. A Reddit user, for example, posted yesterday: 'I just turned on my Roku and got an ... ad for a movie, before I got to the regular Roku home screen.' Multiple apparent users reported seeing an ad for the movie Moana 2 . The ads have a close option, but some users appear to have not seen it. When reached for comment, a Roku spokesperson shared a company statement that confirms that the autoplaying ads are expected behavior but not a permanent part of Roku OS currently. Instead, Roku claimed, it was just trying the ad capability out. Roku's representative said that Roku's business 'has and will always require continuous testing and innovation across design, navigation, content, and our first-rate advertising products,' adding: 'Our recent test is just the latest example, as we explore new ways to showcase brands and programming while still providing a delightful and simple user experience.' Roku didn't respond to requests for comment on whether it has plans to make autoplaying ads permanent on Roku OS, which devices are affected, why Roku decided to use autoplaying ads, or customer backlash. 'Unacceptable' Most of the comments that Ars Technica has reviewed about the marketing 'test' have suggested that customers would get rid of their Roku device if the software continues to force them to watch an ad before getting to the content they actually want to see. A user on Roku's community forum wrote, '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.' Forum users who worried the change was permanent called the ads 'unacceptable' and 'intrusive.' If Roku increases its ad load on customer devices from still images to ads with moving pictures with sound, it will test customers' limits. Some who have tolerated a static image on a neglected part of their screen may not be as accepting of more distracting ad formats. 'I could accept the static ad on the side. Forcing a loud commercial is awful,' one Redditor wrote. As a budget streaming hardware brand, Roku has been known to push the boundaries on ads. Roku has even gone so far as to apply for a patent for technology that shows ads over anything you plug into your TV (Roku has never actually implemented this capability). There are less ad-intrusive smart TV platforms available besides Roku. But in general, it's getting increasingly difficult for smart TV users to avoid ads. All TV manufacturers, from budget brands to premium ones, are growing reliance on ads and tracking as ways to bolster revenue among declining hardware prices, sales, and innovation and increased competition. This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.
