Roku Adds Smart Home Capabilities In New Partnership With Walmart

Roku has a dominant device presence in the streaming landscape. Their platform is not only used in their plug-in devices (streaming sticks, boxes) but in several brands of TVs and soundbars made by both Roku and Walmart (ONN). In addition, Roku provides content through its homegrown Roku Channel. 

Tip: The Roku Channel is available on compatible Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and most web browsers in addition to Roku devices and the Roku Mobile App. 

However, despite its streaming device dominance, Roku received a little bad news from its lower-than-expected Q2 2022 financial results. 

However, Roku is not a company that sits still. In addition to adding Roku TVs and soundbars and related audio products to its product offerings, they are making a jump into a new product category that it hopes will further cement its current loyal customer base, as well as provide another way to attract new users to its platform, by adding smart home control to its bag of tricks. 

Roku Smart Home

Roku and Walmart have jointly announced the launch of Roku’s new line of smart home products, including security cameras, video doorbells, lighting, plugs, and more. With this expansion of Roku’s product line, they have entered the smart home landscape. 

The Roku Smart Home’s initial product lineup includes:

Roku Smart Home Mobile App

In addition to the smart devices products, to provide control,  Roku Smart Home mobile app for iOS and Android is available as well as a camera subscription plan that includes cloud video recording history, smart alerts, package delivery notifications, and more.

Tip: The Roku Smart Home Mobile App is different than the Roku Mobile App used for managing settings and streaming options for Roku TVs, soundbars, and players.

Roku Cameras

Although the Roku Smart Home Mobile app provides a lot of functionality, Roku TV users get some added perks when used with compatible smart home cameras.  

When integrated with Roku TVs, users are able to see who is at their door with their Roku video doorbell while streaming their favorite shows. Users will also be able to view live streams from their Roku cameras, use a Roku voice remote to bring up video feeds, and more. 

Tip: Roku Smart Home will also be compatible with third-party voice integrations (such as Google Assistant and Alexa), as well as Roku Voice.

The Roku Smart Home Strategy

From Mustafa Ozgen, president, Devices, Roku: “As the #1 selling smart TV OS in the U.S., the Roku platform is used by tens of millions of households, and now we’re extending our ecosystem to include devices and services to power the modern smart home…Branching further into the smart home category is a natural extension of our business, and we are proud to partner with Walmart to make the experience simple and affordable.”

From Mark Robins, vice president, Roku Smart Home: “We’re expanding the Roku ecosystem for the tens of millions of households who already use Roku devices – or anyone looking for a new option to level up their spaces with smart lighting, cameras, and more,… With our new line of Roku smart home products, we are proud to offer the convenience and delight of the smart home, combined with the value, choice, and ease of use that consumers love from the Roku brand.”

From Laura Rush, senior vice president, electronics, toys, and seasonal – Walmart U.S. “At Walmart, we are dedicated to providing our customers with technology to simplify and enhance their lives at everyday low prices,…Roku’s new line of Smart Home devices, available exclusively in-store at Walmart, allows our customers to easily enjoy the security and convenience afforded by these new products from Roku.”

Wyze Labs

The Roku Smart Home technology platform was developed in partnership with Wyze Labs. The Wyze contribution to the Roku Smart Home lineup includes two-factor authentication (2FA), user data encryption, secure boot, and numerous other advanced security capabilities. In addition, Roku Smart Home devices are certified by ioXt Alliance, the global standard for IoT security.

Availability

Roku Smart Home products are available in the U.S. exclusively in-store at Walmart stores, with select products available online at Walmart.com and Roku.com. 

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