Roku is blurring the lines between entertainment and home security with its latest update. The streaming giant is introducing a new feature that transforms your TV screen into a rotating display of live feeds from your Roku security cameras.
This “Camera Carousel” will automatically cycle through your camera feeds, intelligently switching views when activity is detected or at timed intervals. Imagine watching a movie and having your TV seamlessly switch to show you who’s at the front door or what your pet is up to in the backyard. These new features will be launched this winter.
In addition to the carousel, Roku is expanding its TV notification system to include alerts from all connected cameras, not just video doorbells. This means you can receive real-time notifications on your TV screen if your baby wakes up from a nap, or if your dog starts digging in the garden. Don’t worry about constant interruptions, though; these notifications can be customized or turned off entirely,.
Here is how ROku describes these new features:
- Camera Carousel: Automatically cycles through each camera feed on your TV, using motion detection to display the camera where the action is happening.
- More notifications on the TV: Just like you receive alerts on your phone when your camera detects pets, packages and people, you will have the option to get these notifications directly on your TV. Whether it’s your cat causing mischief or your baby waking up from a nap, you can now be instantly notified of events detected by your Roku Smart Home camera. Simply open up settings to turn them on—included with your Camera subscription.
- Roku Smart Home Web View: Starting this winter, users can conveniently monitor all camera feeds from one centralized location on any computer or web device.
These new features, set to roll out this winter, are compatible with all Roku cameras and doorbells. Roku is also working on a web view that will allow users to access their camera feeds from any computer or mobile device.
This update builds upon Roku’s existing smart home integrations, which already allow users to view live streams and recorded events from their security cameras on their TVs. Roku also offers a smart security system that can display alarm alerts directly on the television screen.
Roku’s foray into the smart home market began in 2022 with the launch of its video doorbell, smart lighting, and smart plugs, developed in partnership with Wyze. With this latest update, Roku is further solidifying its position as a comprehensive provider of both entertainment and home security solutions.
While these features offer convenience and peace of mind, they also raise questions about privacy and the increasing integration of surveillance technologies into our daily lives. As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to consider the implications of these advancements and ensure that users have control over their data and privacy.