Roku TVs could one day show ads as soon as you pause playing a game on a connected Xbox, or stop a stream on an Apple TV.

Roku is exploring ways to show consumers ads on its TVs even when they are not using its streaming platform: The company has been looking into injecting ads into the video feeds of third-party devices connected to its TVs, according to a recent patent filing.

This way, when an owner of a Roku TV takes a short break from playing a game on their Xbox, or streaming something on an Apple TV device connected to the TV set, Roku would use that break to show ads. Roku engineers have even explored ways to figure out what the consumer is doing with their TV-connected device in order to display relevant advertising.

  • misanthropy@lemm.eeEnglish
    1·
    8 months ago

    I mean, that’s already a problem. Can’t recall the name but Amazon has their own network they’re working on to allow devices to communicate when they don’t have internet access

    Personally, I opened up my tv years ago and desoldered the microphone that was built into it, and removed the antennas for it’s wifi chip. Total pain in the ass, but it’s worth doing if you like your tinfoil hat.