Google Says, Roku You!
May 19, 2021
YouTube TV is a popular streaming service accessible through various sling boxes a.k.a. carriages. Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku are the top carriages that offer YouTube TV. Roku, however, could soon be off that list says Android Police in: “Google Tells YouTube TV Customers To Spam Roku Support.”
Google owns YouTube and its affiliate TV streaming service and the search engine giant is pursuing a new contract with Roku. Google wants Roku to push YouTube TV to the front of its interface. Roku, however, claims Google is using its monopoly power to force them into a new contract.
“…Google is looking to position YouTube as the premier streaming destination on Roku, requesting a dedicated search page, boosted music results, and a full block on search returns from other sources while the YouTube app is open. In perhaps its most brazen move, the company has reportedly asked Roku to meet specific hardware requirements to continue carrying its apps. On paper, none of these demands have anything to do with YouTube TV. Instead, Roku alleges that Google is using negotiations for its cable streaming service to gain leverage for YouTube as a whole, a move labeled “anticompetitive” in this morning’s email.”
Roku reasonably requests its users to petition Google to keep YouTube TV on its carriage. Google denies that it wants access to user data or it would interfere with search results. They also told YouTube TV subscribers to message Roku’s customer support in order to keep the cable alternative.
Bicker, bicker, bicker. Google wants more power over Roku, but the company will not cave. Solution: Just stick the YouTube TV thing into the YouTube free thing. That’s a “Roku you” for sure.
Whitney Grace, May 19, 2021
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