Netflix rumoured to be buying Roku

Source: Roku

Netflix might be changing its mind about adding a device to its stable. The company is reportedly in talks with Roku to acquire its business. Citing sources familiar with the company, Roku employees have allegedly had their trading window shut for selling Roku stock. This typically happens when information could be released that would affect its stock. It's meant to prevent insider trading. Roku's stock has dropped nearly 80% since July 2021 due to weak demand for its streaming hardware.

The streaming service's potential acquisition is reportedly a "focus of internal chatter" at the company. This report comes after it was a target of an acquisition last year. Neither company has yet to confirm the rumours. But Netflix itself is facing stock falls due to fierce competition from the likes of Disney, HBO Max, and more. Netflix has recently confirmed plans to adopt a cheaper ad-supported plan, so bringing in Roku, which has experience in the market, can possibly help them out. 

Source

Roku pulls YouTube TV from its channel store as dispute with Google continues

Roku

With Roku and Google still unable to reach an agreement regarding YouTube TV's distribution, Roku has pulled the YouTube TV from its channel store. The existing deal has lapsed, and so Roku couldn't have the app on its devices anymore. But according to the company, it is "taking the extra step to continue to offer existing subscribers access to YouTube TV on the Roku platform unless Google takes actions that require the full removal of the channel." Any new subscriptions from the YouTube app are also switched off "until an agreement is reached." 

Roku warns its customers in an email that the YouTube TV subscribers or those who have the app on their Roku devices shouldn't delete them as they won't be able to download it at the moment. The main YouTube app isn't affected by this change. 

Source: The Verge

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It’s been a challenging year (plus) for all of us and celebrations big or small are even more appreciated. Birthdays, graduations, heck even getting your first covid vaccine is a reason to share a little joy. Mother’s Day is coming up so here are a few ideas from this tech lovin’ momma that may come in handy for the mom in your life! 

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Roku might no longer offer YouTube TV amid standoff with Google

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Roku devices might lose access to the YouTube TV app as the company is caught amid a standoff with Google. The company sent out an email to its subscribers on Monday calling on them to reach out to Google to "urge them" to reach an agreement. Roku accused Google in a statement of attempting to control the user experience on the platform that would favour Google's products as the two negotiate a contract renewal for YouTube TV. Google has its own line of Chromecast devices that compete directly with Roku.

According to Roku, Google is demanding that Roku give its separate YouTube app preferential treatment on the condition of providing the company access to YouTube TV. The demands include providing Google with special access to consumer data and for Roku to have a dedicated search result row for YouTube on its interface. Roku also claims Google wanted Roku to meet specific hardware specs. 

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