Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Roku Faces Off With Google Over YouTube Access – Resolved!

Roku has enjoyed a lot of success, but that might be in jeopardy if Google removes YouTube from Roku devices due to the inability to negotiate a new agreement. Roku is painting Google as the villain.

Roku Home Screen with YouTube App Crossed Out

UPDATE 12/10/2021: YouTube users on Roku can breathe a sigh of relief. In a brief statement, Roku has announced that its issues with Google over YouTube and YouTube TV access appear to have been resolved. Current users can continue viewing and new users can download and install the apps. No further details have been mentioned at this time.

The following is archived information regarding the original controversy.

The past couple of years has been very successful for Roku. Its streaming platform is not only widely available on plug-in streaming devices, but its OS streaming platform is built into a growing number of TVs and soundbars

However, the real key to Roku’s success is providing access to well over 5,000 free and subscription-based streaming apps. Roku has also entered the content space with its streaming app that features curated and original content, as well as access to live TV

That being said, Roku is getting stuck in quicksand with one of its most popular content partners, Google. 

The problem is that Google owns YouTube, and Roku claims that Google is throwing its weight around to such an extent, that Roku is at immediate risk of losing the rights to offer YouTube on its streaming platform. Without YouTube, and its huge number of viewers, the popularity of Roku streaming devices could see a dip. 

YouTube on Roku

The main sticking point for Roku is that they claim Google is demanding that it provide preferential treatment to YouTube apps within their content search feature. Roku refuses this demand as it operates search results agnostically.

Of course, Google counterclaims that they have never asked for preferential treatment. However, CNBC has also claimed that it has uncovered an email from 2019 that indicates that Google did indeed ask for favorable search treatment from Roku.

The friction between Roku and Google is not new. In April/May 2021, Google pulled the paid subscription-based YouTube TV app from Roku’s offerings, but still placed access to it as a paid category within the standard free YouTube app on Roku devices.

  • If Roku and Google can’t resolve their differences, new Roku users will not be able to download and install the YouTube or YouTube TV apps on Roku devices after December 9th, 2021.  
  • Current Roku users that already have the YouTube and/or YouTube TV apps installed could still use those apps after the cut-off date for the time being. However, how long that access would last would remain to be seen. 

The Roku/Google controversy has not escaped the eyes of some members of Congress. However, if Congress does get involved that doesn’t necessarily mean that the result will be better than Roku and Google hashing this situation out themselves. 

It must be pointed out that in the past Amazon also had a dispute with Google which prevented direct access to YouTube on Fire TV and Echo Show devices, but that was eventually worked out.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Also, during that dispute, Amazon did provide a workaround for YouTube access via the Firefox and Silk Web Browsers. However, since Roku does not provide an effective web browser, this type of workaround is not available to Roku users. 

NOTE: This is a developing story. As significant developments are verified, this article will be updated. 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

New Products

TCL A1 Portable Lifestyle Projector

New Products

At $499, the TCL A1 is a 1080p portable lifestyle projector that lets you bring big screen entertainment wherever you go.

Bose 901 60th Anniversary Edition Speakers Lifestyle Front Bose 901 60th Anniversary Edition Speakers Lifestyle Front

Bookshelf Speakers

Without any public fanfare, Bose has recreated its legendary 901 Direct Reflecting Loudspeakers that we would like to see and hear in person.

Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Phono Stage Silver Front Angle Musical Fidelity M8x Vinyl Phono Stage Silver Front Angle

New Products

Musical Fidelity's new flagship M8x Vinyl Phono Stage is both fully discrete and fully balanced with improved gain stage and more.

Master & Dynamic ME05 Wired Earphones Master & Dynamic ME05 Wired Earphones

Earbuds & In-Ear Headphones

Are wired earphones coming back? The new $199 Master & Dynamic ME05 in-ear headphones refresh a 10-year old design with added support for hi-res...

McIntosh MSA5500 Integrated Streaming Amplifier (Front) McIntosh MSA5500 Integrated Streaming Amplifier (Front)

Digital Music Systems

At $8,000, the McIntosh MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier isn't for everybody, but it's hard not to be impressed with its styling and audio technology.

HIFIMAN ISVARNA Hybrid Planar Dynamic Headphones HIFIMAN ISVARNA Hybrid Planar Dynamic Headphones

New Products

At $2,899, the HiFiMAN ISVARNA offers both planar magnetic and dynamic drivers to boost the low frequencies in a closed-back design.

You May Also Like

New Products

At $249, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus features 3.1 channels, but is expandable to 5.1 with optional wireless subwoofer and speakers.

Daily Deals

Our favorite soundbars on sale for Black Friday 2024 that we would actually buy for ourselves or recommend to family and friends.

Gift Guides

2024 Black Friday tech deals you won't want to miss on hi-fi, headphones, and home theater gear this Holiday Season.

Gift Guides

If you missed Amazon Prime Day there are still some of great deals on SVS 16-Ultra subwoofers, Roku Pro TVs and more.

New Products

Bang & Olufsen expands its Ferrari Collection with an ultra luxury TV, soundbar and active loudspeaker.

Daily Deals

Check out this limited time 33% off deal on LG's best Dolby Atmos soundbar system.

New Products

At $99, Roku's new top-of-the-line 4K streaming video player is 30% faster, adds HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6 and supports Dolby Atmos.

News

Roku's latest update improves voice command functionality, adds a new way to like or dislike content, and more.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers