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Roku-Enabled TVs Will Soon 'Listen' To Programs You're Watching To Suggest Streaming Content (variety.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the Orwellian-society dept.

Roku-enabled TVs will be receiving a new OS update that will listen to what show or movie you're watching via your cable or satellite set-top or over-the-air antenna, in order to suggest internet-streaming content. "Compatible TVs will use automatic content recognition (ACR) technology to identify the content and then suggest additional viewing options available on via streaming services like Netflix, Hulu or Vudu," reports Variety. From the report: It may seem vaguely Big Brother-ish, but Roku is being careful about ensuring consumer privacy: Users will be required to enable the feature via an opt-in prompt. In addition, the "More Ways to Watch" feature can be turned off at any time (although Roku says viewing information collected prior to the feature being turned off will not be deleted). For now, the "More Ways to Watch" feature is available only in the U.S., and only for Roku-enabled television sets available from Best Buy's Insignia, Sharp, Hisense and TCL. It will be coming first to conventional HDTV models first, followed by support for 4K Roku TV models later this summer.

7 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. Oh Boy! by AnotherBlackHat · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Sure glad I own a stupid TV.

    1. Re:Oh Boy! by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 2

      I call it my smarter TV and my smarter phone. If you have to ask why, you aren't so smart. ;)

      --
      Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
  2. Roku by fluffernutter · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I can't wait until they analyze your sex noises and recommend complementary products and/or services. People around here may be interested in the "Jackin' the Beanstalk" package. Roku knows what you need.

    --
    Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
  3. Device ownership by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    It pisses me off that I paid for this device and then it spies on me without my permission so the manufacturer can make more money. What's missing from a lot of the modern world is a concept of device ownership. I paid for my cell phone/laptop/etc. and I damned well want to control what it does and does not do. And I want it working for me, not some advertiser.

    The tragic thing is: I NEVER NEVER NEVER buy the shit that behavioral ads think I want. It's all a waste of time and effort for them.

  4. Re: There must be a market for dumb TVs by thundercattt · · Score: 2

    Usually they're"free for pickup" on sites like Kijiji or Craigslist. Pick up a truck load, setup shop selling.

  5. Re:Are they going to require a CC to activate your by Chrontius · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Append "/nocc" to the Roku activation link. It'll activate without a credit card. Normally you have to call support for that...

    CAPTTCHA: Keyhole

  6. Roku is being careful about ensuring consumer by hughbar · · Score: 3, Interesting

    To quote but Roku is being careful about ensuring consumer privacy. I love it when those little pigs fly with such elegance.

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    On y va, qui mal y pense!