ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Roku has a new Labs experience and new streaming bundles.
- Labs lets you test in-development apps and give feedback.
- Streaming bundles can save you up to 30%.
If you’re a Roku user, you’ll get a new way to save money on streaming and a new way to help influence the design of new Roku apps and features.
Among several additions, including an expansion of Roku Voice and an improved search, the media giant revealed that it is rolling out bundles of some of its popular streaming services that will save users money from the full price. It also introduces a Google-Labs style test area that is open to all users, no registration required.
A way to save with streaming
Streaming bundles are all the rage these days, and Roku is getting in on the fun. The company has announced new combined streaming subscriptions that can save you up to 30% off the regular price of these services.
More than 30 bundles are available, including subscriptions such as HBO Max, Starz, Hallmark+, and Fox One.
- Premium: Includes combinations of HBO Max, Cinemax, FOX One, Fox Nation, Hallmark+, Starz, and more.
- Learn and discover: Includes combinations of services such as BritBox, Curiosity Stream, BBC Select, and MagellanTV.
- Indie & Fan Favorites: Includes combinations of services such as Shout! TV, Screambox, Midnight Pulp, Hi-YAH!, and RetroCrush.
- Healthy Picks: Includes combinations of services such as UP Faith & Family, Howdy, Dove Channel, and aspireTV+.
- International: Includes combinations of services such as Sundance Now, Kino Film Collection, MHz Choice, Viaplay, and more.
These plans use your existing Roku account, meaning you don’t need to worry about another sign-up. You can access the full list and sign up here.
A laboratory to test and influence development products
Just like Google Labs allows you to test Google features that haven’t been released yet, you can now do the same with Roku. The company said that Roku Labs allows you to test apps in development and provide feedback. Labs, which starts with four experiences, including Roku Stock, Roku Weather, Backdrop Studio (which lets you place custom artwork and images as your background), and Immerse (which lets you choose your screensaver), is open to all users.
To find it, look for the tile on your main floor. Roku says Labs will be available “soon,” so if you don’t see it now, you shouldn’t wait long.
Roku also says it’s making Roku LT OS, which is the lighter operating system that runs the Roku remote and Roku Smart Home, open source. If you are a programmer, maker or just a tinkerer, you can now use the software for custom engineering projects.
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