Roku is gearing up for a Spring 2017 OS update release according to a blog post on its developer blog. It is once again asking developers to join an early access beta developer program that will let developers get a look at the new OS but they have to agree to a non-discloser agreement.
According to Roku, developers will get the following benefits:
Participation in the Roku Beta Developer Program enables developers to test their channels for channel regressions and firmware bugs before new versions of Roku OS are made available to the public. Roku releases new firmware versions on a bi-annual basis, so identifying issues during the beta phase is essential, otherwise you may be stuck with the bug for another six months.
To get these benefits you have to agree to a confidentiality agreement:
Approved developers are asked to sign a Nondisclosure Agreement before joining the program. The Roku OS beta releases, tools, and discussions related to the program are all confidential and may not be discussed outside of the Roku Testing Portal — neither in person nor online.
So what does this mean and what will the new Roku OS look like? We don’t know. Before the Roku 7.5 update Roku would just put out early developer releases for anyone to try. Starting in 2016 Roku started this beta program in an effort to keep the beta mostly for developers to help keep new Roku features from leaking out.
It is possible that once again these changes will be minor and like the 7.5 Roku OS update mostly be changes that are on the backend.
Yet Roku has recently made some major upgrades. It has made its devices more user friendly to people with disabilities. Roku has added a long list of new improvements that channel owners can take advantage of to improve their channels.
Roku has also recently announced that Roku channels using the older channels will need to upgrade the look of their channels.
Put it together and Roku has been making steady improvements to both its hardware and OS. It will be interesting to see what the new Spring 2017 OS update will bring Roku owners.
Source: Roku Developer Blog
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