Autoplaying ads have become more and more commonplace throughout all the technology we use. Streaming services such as Disney+ and Netflix ask you to pay extra to avoid having an ad play after a certain time midway through watching. An increasing number of TV manufacturers are embedding ads into our daily lives, too, with LG arguably highest profile recent offender.
Now, American company Roku appears to be trialling a new feature, with many owners of smart TVs and streaming sticks running Roku OS complaining of having to watch video ads before they can even start using their device (as reported by Ars Technica).
This is not particularly surprising, considering Roku’s CEO told The Verge in 2018 that it planned to make its Roku OS, which is found on TVs and streaming sticks, a “next-generation ad platform.”
It has already included banner ads over live TV and video ads on the home screen, but these new ads, which pop up prior to the home screen even loading, seem to have got under the skin of many customers. Some people comment that they have been able to close the ad but others say they have not had that option.
One user wrote on Roku’s community board: “Unskippable video ads on the home screen is a non-starter.” Another owner on Reddit dubbed the new edition “pretty disappointing and intrusive.” Both communities are rife with Roku buyers tempted to ditch their devices all together and switch to another brand.
Roku tells Ars Technica that the new ads are ‘expected behaviour but not a permanent part of Roku OS currently.’ Which sounds rather ominous.
We understand that companies have got to turn a profit, but using customers as guinea pigs in their own homes is feeling more dystopian by the minute – and that’s putting aside the generally unpleasant trend towards invasive adverts being inserted into products that customers have already paid full price for.
MORE:
Here's our review of the RCA Roku TV
These are the best streamers we recommend
And check out the best TVs right now
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
