I recently was thinking of buying a TV stick for my dumb TV because I wanted to upgrade its capabilities without having to invest in a brand new smart TV. After doing some research, I found TV sticks, such as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku or Google Chromecast, can easily transform my regular TV into a smart TV by simply plugging it into the HDMI port. This way, I can access various streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, as well as enjoy other features like screen mirroring from my phone or tablet. TV sticks often come with voice control capabilities, making it easier to navigate and search for content. Overall, getting a TV stick seems like a cost-effective and convenient solution to enhance my entertainment options on my existing television.
This research led me to Roku, that offers a wide range of entertainment options for consumers. Roku devices allow users to access popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as a vast selection of free and paid channels. With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, Roku has gained popularity among cord-cutters and those looking for a convenient way to access their favorite TV shows and movies. Roku offers a variety of models to suit different needs, including streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and smart TVs with built-in Roku functionality. But something struck me as very odd. It doesn’t include a web browser at all.
Reason Roku Skips the Web Browser
Roku devices have become a staple in homes for streaming favorite shows and movies with ease. But despite their popularity, one feature you won’t find on a Roku is a web browser. Why exactly has Roku skipped on this seemingly essential tool? Let’s dive into the reasons that keep Roku browsers off the table.
Content Licensing and Partnership Fees
The Roku platform thrives on agreements with content providers. These partnerships often include licensing deals and fees that are a significant revenue source for Roku. Introducing a web browser could allow users to stream content directly from websites, bypassing Roku’s curated channels and, importantly, their revenue stream derived from content providers.
Walled Garden Strategy
Roku operates on a “walled garden” model, meaning they control the applications and content available on their devices. This approach helps Roku maintain a consistent user experience and negotiate better terms with app providers. A web browser could undermine this model by giving users unrestricted access to content beyond Roku’s control.
Security Concerns
Web browsers are complex pieces of software that require constant updates and patches to stay secure. By not including a browser, Roku avoids the pitfalls of security vulnerabilities that could compromise the device and, by extension, user privacy.
Development Costs and User Experience
Developing a secure and user-friendly web browser is resource intensive. Given that most users prefer to browse on their phones, tablets, or computers, the return on investment for a Roku browser may not justify the costs. Optimizing a browser for TV use presents challenges in creating an interface that works well with remote controls—a hurdle that may not be worth the effort given the small number of users likely to take advantage of a clunky TV browsing experience.
Alternatives Exist
For those who really want to browse on their TV, alternatives exist. Devices like computer sticks, gaming consoles, or even other streaming devices offer web browsing capabilities. Features like screen mirroring or casting from another device can fill the gap for users looking to view web content on their Roku-enabled TV.
Cast/Mirror your media
Even though Roku doesn’t let you use a browser, there are apps that let you mirror your device on a Roku device. Web Video Cast (for iOS) lets you cast any media from a browser to Roku. If you have an Apple device, you can use AirPlay to play your media on Roku.
Host your own media server
If you want to play the media hosted on your own media server, you can try out the open-source Jellyfin media server. Jellyfin channel in Roku allows you to stream the content of your choice without being limited to Roku’s offerings.
In conclusion, while it might seem like a drawback at first glance, Roku’s decision to exclude a web browser from its devices is a strategic choice. It’s rooted in maintaining revenue through content partnerships, ensuring device security, avoiding unnecessary development costs, and preserving their controlled ecosystem. For Roku users needing to surf the web on their TV, workarounds exist but for now, Roku seems committed to keeping its platform browser-free for these practical reasons.
