Roku’s Ultra refresh
Roku has enhanced its premium "Ultra" streaming device which runs 30% faster than its other players and features a new quad-core processor to improve streaming quality, 4K capabilities, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Atmos and support for WiFi 6. The device also uses AI to instantly launch the app it thinks you will open next. Other UI features include a lost remote button, wireless headphone mode, and customizable quick launch shortcuts. Roku is also making changes to its home page and Mobile App. The app will allow users to find personalized content recommendations, view IMDb ratings and let users choose their favorite sports teams.
The Circana Take:
- Through advancements such as these, Roku is poised to maintain its TV OS market leading position and provide a reason for existing basic SMP users to upgrade to the premium UI experience.
Disney+ password sharing crackdown
Disney+ is cracking down on accounts retrieved by those living outside of the primary residence. They will either need to sign up for their own subscription or be added as an “Extra Member” to the main account. The price for extra members is an additional $7/month for basic and $10/month for premium. Only one extra member is offered per account and there is no option available for Disney bundle subscribers. Netflix stopped free password sharing over a year ago and has reported subscriber increases of 9m in Q1 ‘24 and 8m in Q2.
The Circana Take:
- Password sharing crackdowns come as no surprise. While Netflix was successful, it remains to be seen if Disney generates upside too. It will come down to the strength of the content.
Max uses Google AI for closed captions
WBD has started using AI to automatically generate closed captions for content on Max. The “Caption AI” project uses Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform to improve cc followed by a QA review by humans which greatly reduces caption creation time by about 75% and cuts costs up to 50%. This project provides viewers with better quality captions while lowering costs for WBD. We have seen AI used for personalized content, advanced search, targeted advertising, and streaming quality and expect it to be an integral part of the entertainment landscape moving forward.
The Circana Take:
- AI has the potential to enhance and speed up production processes, thus giving companies a competitive edge if used correctly. Using less resources and time required could shift the focus on improving content and increasing viewership.