GoKawiilRoku launches Labs hub for experimental first-party apps and games
Roku rolled out a Roku OS update adding a new 'Roku Labs' section to the Home Screen, giving U.S. users access to experimental in-house apps including weather and stock trackers plus a game called Roku Dash set in its Roku City screensaver. The company also expanded its personalized Home Screen to Mexico and Brazil, added weather queries to its voice assistant, introduced mix-and-match streaming bundles with smaller services, and open-sourced the software behind its remote, Roku LT OS.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These moves show Roku trying to deepen its role as the central hub of the living room by building more of its own software rather than just hosting other apps, as it faces stiffer competition from AI-driven platforms like Google's Gemini and Amazon's Alexa+. Open-sourcing its remote software and expanding bundled subscriptions also hint at strategies to grow developer engagement and subscriber revenue simultaneously.
- Roku Labs lets U.S. users try experimental apps like weather, stocks, and a new game called Roku Dash.
- Roku is expanding personalized Home Screens to Mexico and Brazil and adding streaming bundles with smaller services.
- Open-sourcing Roku LT OS could open the door for third-party developers to build on Roku's remote technology.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K — This is the easiest way to get the new Roku OS updates, including the experimental Roku Labs hub, right on your TV. It brings smooth 4K streaming and access to Roku's full app ecosystem in a compact, plug-in design. Perfect for anyone wanting to try Roku Dash and other new experimental features as they roll out.
See Roku Streaming Stick 4K on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techcrunch.com — Sarah Perez, 2026-09-17
Published there as: “Roku’s new Labs hub brings experimental apps to the big screen”
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