Roku unveils new home screen with ads and personalized picks

Roku has begun a major overhaul of its home screen interface, marking the platform's most significant redesign in over a decade. The update, which started rolling out in the United States this week, introduces a more personalized and content-focused layout, but it has also drawn criticism from users who prefer the service's traditional simplicity.

The new home screen departs from the familiar static grid of app icons. It now features a prominent "Top Picks for You" carousel with personalized recommendations, a "Quick Access" row that uses artificial intelligence to surface frequently used apps, and a "Your Daily Scoop" section highlighting trending shows and cultural moments. A large, permanent display advertisement has also been added to the right side of the screen. The company says the redesign, informed by viewer input and behavioral data, is intended to make entertainment the central focus and help users discover content more easily.

However, the changes have sparked a negative reaction from a segment of the user base. Many have expressed frustration on online forums, criticizing the increased promotional content and a more cluttered interface that requires more scrolling...