Roku is introducing a significant update to its home screen, marking the first major change in ten years. A new section titled "For You" will feature prominently at the top, alongside a large advertisement occupying the right side of the screen. This advertisement will include both suggested content and paid placements, shifting from its previous limited visibility.
Preston Smalley, Roku's VP of Product, emphasized the importance of this real estate, noting that half of all broadband users access this screen. The new interface also incorporates a "Quick Access" section at the bottom, tailored to users' most frequently utilized apps, which can be removed in favor of a traditional app list. Users will also have access to menu items such as Subscriptions and Search on the left-hand side.
The rollout of this updated interface is expected to take place over the coming weeks and months. Users interested in accessing the new home screen sooner can contact Roku's customer service for assistance.