Roku Streaming Stick (2025)
4.5/5
- Brand
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Roku
- Dimensions
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3.7 x 0.80 x .45 inches
- Weight
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0.90 ounces
- Display
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1080p
- Sound
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Digital stereo, DTS Digital Surround passthrough, Dolby-encoded audio passthrough
- Remote
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Yes
What’s new on the Roku home screen
Lots of ads and AI features
The most noticeable change is an expanded Top Picks for You section at the top of your screen which now features several ads placed as recommendations. And while this used to be a small section that included 3 “recommended” shows or movies, this area has been made more prominent at the top of the screen with larger icons and space for 5 advertised shows or apps. These picks are based on data that Roku has gathered on you and should be personalized unless you have Roku’s built-in tracking turned off.
Right under this section, there is a new Quick Access area that uses AI technology to surface your most-used apps to the top of the screen. If you’re like me, this will take some getting used to as I generally curate my home screen app order based on genre not rate of usage, but in theory, this could be a useful addition that might help users get to what they want quickly without having to constantly reorganize their screen constantly.
Roku has also included a new section for Shortcuts that offers one-touch access to features like Continue Watching, Sleep Timer, Save List, and more in a single convenient area right on your home screen.
Another new section is the seemingly social-media inspired For You area, which is meant to offer even more ads and personalized picks. This area includes a “real-time” row called Your Daily Scoop that uses AI to give users a curated digest of trending movies and shows that Roku’s AI thinks specific users will be interested in.
Finally, if you scroll all the way down, there’s a new Destinations section that offers indecisive users the ability to discover new content though curated hubs and moods based on genre like comedy, movies, sports, and free.
Is there any way to opt-out of this new home screen?
Unfortunately, you’re stuck with it whether you like it or not
Though it hasn’t been out for long, the new Roku home screen feels very cluttered and unintuitive. Though I like at least a few of the new features in theory (especially the Quick Access area) the constant suggestions, destinations, for you picks, and ads all feel like they are all shouting at me for attention during what is supposed to be the most relaxing part of my day. Time will tell if I feel differently about this new home screen after using it for a few weeks, but right now, my first impression is not good.
While I wish I could opt-out, unfortunately, this update is mandatory for all Roku users, so if you don’t have it yet, expect it to hit your screen very soon.
