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’re getting 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’s rolling out bundles of some of its popular streaming services that save users money off the full price. It’s also introducing a Google-Labs style testing area that’s open to all users, no signup needed.
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 like 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 like BritBox, Curiosity Stream, BBC Select, and MagellanTV.
- Indie & Fan Favorites: Includes combinations of services like Shout! TV, Screambox, Midnight Pulp, Hi-YAH!, and RetroCrush.
- Wholesome Picks: Includes combinations of services like UP Faith & Family, Howdy, Dove Channel, and aspireTV+.
- International: Includes combinations of services like 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 whole list and sign up here.
A Lab to test and influence in-development products
Just like Google Labs lets you test yet-to-be-released Google features, you can now do the same with Roku. The company said Roku Labs lets you test in-development apps and give feedback. Labs, which is starting 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 pick your screensaver), is open to any user.
To find it, look for the tile on your main app grid. Roku says Labs will be available “soon,” so if you don’t see it now, you shouldn’t have to 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’re a programmer, maker, or just a tinkerer, you can now use the software for custom engineering projects.
