Roku unveils voice assistant and licensing program to let manufacturers build audio devices

Roku has unveiled a licensing program that enables OEM brands to build soundbars and smart speakers, surround sound and multi-room audio systems that use Roku Connect software to work together as a home entertainment network.

With Roku Connect devices working together, they will be able to connect wirelessly and be controlled by voice commands and a single remote. In addition, OEM brands will be able to license smart soundbar and smart speaker hardware reference designs along with the Roku operating system, Roku OS. TCL is will announce plans to offer the first device under the new program at CES 2018 in Las Vagas.

Roku also announced plans to develop and launch a voice assistant called the Roku Entertainment Assistant that is optimized for home entertainment. Consumers will be able to use voice commands to enjoy entertainment on Roku devices. They can say, “Hey Roku, play jazz in the living room” and a smart soundbar with Roku Connect will begin playing music, even if the TV is turned off.

Four years ago, Roku unveiled its TV licensing program, simplifying the smart TV and making it easy for OEM brands to delight consumers. Today, the Roku TV licensing program is flourishing. Roku TVs accounted for more than one out of every five smart TVs sold in the U.S. during the first nine months of 2017. Roku also announced that Magnavox joins the program as the ninth brand, bringing new Roku TVs to market this spring.

By expanding its licensing program to allow for easy ways for audio devices to become part of the Roku streaming ecosystem, OEM brands can build smart devices for home entertainment. This is expected to make Roku TV even more appealing to both OEM brands and consumers, and allow Roku to continue to grow active accounts and increase engagement. Roku monetizes active accounts as users engage with content and advertising on its platform.

OEM brands can license the Roku Connect software (which has a hardware requirement) for free. In addition, Roku does not expect licensing revenues, if any, from smart speakers and smart soundbars to be material in the foreseeable future.