Roku Update as of August 2025

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Roku unveils ad-free streaming service Howdy, priced at $3 per month

Roku is breaking into the world of premium streaming with the launch of a new app called "Howdy."

thedesk.net

In this link Roku Launches Howdy app which syndicates content from Filmrise, WB and Lionsgate

Roku is breaking into the world of premium streaming with the launch of a new app called “Howdy” that offers ad-free access to some of its original content and shows licensed from third parties.

The app costs $3 per month and promises more than 10,000 hours of content from Roku Originals and studios like Lionsgate, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) and FilmRise among others. Most of its licensed content already appears on free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels operated by Lionsgate and WBD, but with the perk of being able to watch content like “Weeds” and “Kids in the Hall” without ad interruptions.



“Priced at less than a cup of coffee, Howdy is ad-free and designed to complement, not compete with, premium services,” Anthony Rood, Roku’s founder and CEO, said in a statement on Tuesday. “We’re meeting a real need for consumers who want to unwind with their favorite movies and shows uninterrupted and on their terms.”

Roku makes Frndly TV a default app on new devices, smart TVs

Frndly TV now comes pre-installed on new Roku devices and is integrated into Roku's Live TV guide, boosting its visibility to users.

thedesk.net

In another one from Roku theres the Frndly TV app which also syndicates content and will be a default app in the same way the Roku Channel is the default app for Roku TV's.

Frndly TV has joined The Roku Channel as a default app that automatically appears when a customer buys and installs a new Roku streaming device or smart TV, company executives confirmed this week.

During a conference call to discuss Roku’s second quarter (Q2) financial results, the company’s Chief Financial Officer Dan Jeddah said the decision to make Frndly TV a default app on new Roku devices helped boost the visibility of the low-cost cable TV alternative.



Roku also integrated Frndly TV’s live channels into the company’s Live TV guide, which gave the app greater visibility among new and existing Roku device users alike, Jeddah confirmed.

“We’re very pleased with what we’re seeing with Frndly so far,” Jeddah affirmed.


In May, Roku announced it was acquiring Frndly TV for $75 million. The service charges around $8 per month to access live cable channels and national broadcast networks from A+E Global Media, Hallmark Media, the E. W. Scripps Company, Weigel Broadcasting, Allen Media Group and Sony, among others.