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.

  • jabjoeEnglish
    372·
    9 months ago

    Enshitification gold rush continues. It’s like now there is a word for it, all these companies are exploring how they can do it.

    • kat_angstrom@lemmy.worldEnglish
      15·
      9 months ago

      For consumers, “enshitification” is a reminder of how things get worse. For companies, apparently it’s a delightfully new lower bar to aspire to. This is some Darkest Timeline kinda BS

      • jabjoeEnglish
        6·
        9 months ago

        Guess we need to be careful what we give a name!

      • swordsmanluke@programming.devEnglish
        4·
        9 months ago

        Let’s start a patent troll company that exclusively deals in dark pattern bullshit. Then sue every company that implements any of our terrible patents for as much money as possible. Use the proceeds to bribe lobby congress to pass stronger consumer protection laws.