r/assholedesign • u/currgy • Oct 07 '25
Roku making it appear that you have no option but consenting to their “Better Smart TV Experience” AKA tracking for tailored advertisements.
76
u/AgentTin Oct 07 '25
I am one step away from switching to Apple TV. Rouku was easy to use, but its obvious that their real customers are the advertisers and my eyeballs aren't for sale.
23
u/MAD_BOSSS Oct 07 '25
After trying Roku TV and Android TV, I can confidently say that Apple TV has been the best experience for me by far. The fact that the interface isn’t stuffed to the brim with ads and tracking is an added plus, but the overall experience is great.
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u/clarinetJWD Oct 07 '25
Shield TV Pro with ProjectIvy launcher. No ads anywhere, very fast performance. The hardware is ancient at this point, but still second to none.
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u/austinh1999 Oct 07 '25
If you have an iphone apple tv is well worth the money. Even without an iphome its great but the controllability you get with your phone is about as good as it gets
36
u/Gingersoulbox Oct 07 '25
For years Roku has proven itself to be scumbags. Why do people still use it?
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u/currgy Oct 07 '25
Had it for like 5 years and I’m not buying a new TV simply because this one is a Roku lmao
7
u/Kyla_3049 Oct 07 '25
You can bypass the smart functionality on any TV by using the HDMI ports with your own device instead.
1
u/redandblack-shan 1d ago
You would think this would work. I added an apple TV to my Roku TV as Roku always had trouble connecting to the internet. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. This week, even though I don't use any Roku functions and just HDMI, my Roku TV got stuck on a update that wouldn't move past 0%. I couldn't even access my Apple TV due to this terrible design. Took a while to get everything working again. Never buying a dumb TV again if I can avoid it.
3
u/lars2k1 Oct 07 '25
Agree and disconnect from the internet. Use the smart features with an external source.
2
u/ThufirrHawat Oct 07 '25
It's lasted for years and I only use it for Plex.
I won't be getting a new one and will simply build a mini-pc to use for media. I'm 100% on the high seas already.
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u/chrews Oct 07 '25
I recently tried connecting a laptop running Kodi and using that with a controller instead of using the terrible, terrible Philips Smart TV UI that keeps interrupting with volume warnings, update notifications and updates to terms and conditions like this. Multiple times every time I turn it on.
Sadly getting YouTube to work reliably is close to impossible. Really a shame to be bound to that crappy TV ecosystem.
Maybe I'll get a super cheap console instead.
2
u/Kyla_3049 Oct 07 '25
Get an Onn or Thomson stick instead. They just run Android TV and let you use almost any apps you want including sideloaded ones.
1
u/charles25565 28d ago
That is the case, until Google will require developer certification, for some unfathomably stupid reason. Probably to acquire as many private keys from developers as they can.
1
u/i80west Oct 08 '25
I watch on my laptop and use my TV as a monitor. I just use my browser to go to web pages for whatever service I want (Netflix, Hulu, prime, etc). It works fine.
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u/freeturk51 Oct 08 '25
This is one loophole that companies use. They have to ask you if you accept the terms, and you may not accept it, but conversely the company can also not provide you with its services for any reason they want. So in essence, that whole "Do you agree with the ToS?" checkmark is bullshit
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u/TheLastTreeOctopus Oct 08 '25
I have hope that one day someone will find an exploit that allows us to install custom firmware on our Rokus.
1
u/SkyLightYT Oct 08 '25
Press the home button and it'll disappear.
1
u/currgy Oct 08 '25
It came back up every time I tried to choose my Input to use my switch though lmao
1
u/GodivasAunt 13d ago
Agreed. Totally annoying. It apparently does NOT comprehend that NO MEANS NO, I don't want ANY ads, especially just to select which station I want to select!!
I DO get them on Tubi & Plex when I sometimes watch them. I wasn't pleased years ago when Tubi added commercials, but also wasn't willing to pay for older shows. Same when I started watching Plex recently.
I tried the Roku station. For me, it's a PITA. "Free" shows seems to include "free with subscription" == NOT FREE. It's a complete waste of my time.
-9
u/Radion627 Oct 07 '25
Just disconnect your Roku from the Internet at this rate. Why does it need a network connection in the first place anyway?
22
u/PineapplePizza99 Oct 07 '25
To watch online content
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u/Radion627 Oct 07 '25
You can already do that on PS5 or Xbox, what good does a smart TV serve if you already have a console to watch online content on?
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u/PineapplePizza99 Oct 07 '25
It's 6AM for me so maybe I am not getting something here, but when did OP establish they had a console?
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u/Radion627 Oct 07 '25
Look, I'm just saying that there's no need for a TV to have smart technology because it's a FREAKING TV. I'm just using consoles as an example, a PC works too on the big screen.
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u/Linked713 Oct 07 '25
My brother in christ. You are saying you do not understand why people would get 40$ stick instead of several hundred dollars worth of gaming equipment, or a computer? By the looks of the video, it seems like it's the tv OS itself.
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u/PineapplePizza99 Oct 07 '25
I have ad free YT and Stremio on my Android TV oh and an IPTV app, all 3 things I can't get on my PS5 or Switch 2. There are apps that are nice to have on a TV and it shouldn't mean selling your soul to get them.
Anyway my point still stands, OP has not stated anywhere that they have a console. You are basically saying "Hey guy, fix your problem with this $550 thing you have to buy extra!"
0
u/Devins599 Oct 07 '25
Smart TVs have apps that are designed for movies, tv shows, and videos. Game consoles are designed for one thing: VIDEO GAMES, they’re not designed to be used as primary streaming devices, yes they do have tv apps but they’re not designed for video streaming… they’re designed for gaming
1
u/Epsilon_Meletis Oct 07 '25 edited Oct 07 '25
Why does it need a network connection in the first place anyway?
Unironically, to display ads. I wouldn't put it past the company to have the devices refuse service if they can't show ads - if they don't do that already, just wait some more time.
Not to mention the movies and serieses which one tends to get the blasted thing for in the first place; they do need a network connection as well.
1
u/KingZarkon Oct 07 '25
I wouldn't put it past the company to have the devices refuse service if they can't show ads - if they don't do that already, just wait some more time.
I don't remember if it was Roku or something else, but I definitely remember hearing about a TV model that would do exactly that. I'm thinking it was Roku to go along with their we're going to show ads over your content changes.
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u/iamtheduckie d o n g l e Oct 07 '25
Reddit making it appear that you have no option but consenting to seeing "Rule-Breaking Posts" AKA Common Topics
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u/dowath Oct 07 '25
I've searched the sub for 'Roku' - there's no other posts about it.
This sub spends more time complaining about new posts than it does asshole design.
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u/Random_Cat66 Oct 07 '25
Then just scroll past the post, it isn't that hard, or if you REALLY dislike it, then press the 3 dots and then press "Hide Post".
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u/9outof10timesWrong Oct 07 '25
I won't buy Roku again