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Roku's Major Home Screen Redesign Adds AI Recommendations and Persistent Ads

MacRumors •
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Roku is rolling out its biggest home screen redesign in over a decade, beginning today on U.S. Roku TVs and streaming devices. The update arrives automatically without requiring any software download, bringing significant layout changes that prioritize content discovery and personalized recommendations.

A new "Top Picks for You" section uses viewing history and trending data to suggest content, while an AI-powered "Quick Access" area surfaces frequently used apps like the Apple TV app. Users can still access their complete app library through a separate page. Roku also introduced "Destinations" hubs that organize content by genres including comedy, reality shows, movies, sports, and documentaries.

The menu system switched to a collapsed icon-based design instead of text labels, creating what Roku calls a cleaner canvas for browsing. However, this change also means a large advertisement now displays persistently on the right side of the screen — a shift from the previous approach where ads appeared only in specific views.

A "Shortcuts" section consolidates features like Continue Watching, Sleep Timer, and Save List in one location. Roku City fans can now access the screensaver anytime via an on-screen tile, plus play Daily Trivia and mini-games. The redesign reflects Roku's push to compete with other streaming platforms while monetizing screen real estate more aggressively.