May 11, 2021
For the time being, new YouTube TV subscribers won't have Roku devices as an option for streaming. As the spat between Google and Roku continues, it begs the question about which of the two companies is really at fault. All signs appear to point to Google as the main offender, with user data the primary sticking point.
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Streamer's Spotlight: Is Google a Hypocrite in the Roku Fight?
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Thousands (or millions?) of potential YouTube TV users have been left in the gutter last week after a contract dispute between Roku and Google forced Roku to remove the YouTube TV app from its Channel Store. Although any subscribers who currently have the app can still use it, it can no longer be downloaded to Roku devices, for now. But why are these two companies fighting, and which of them is in the right? Reports seem to indicate Roku may be the righteous brawler, while Google might be lining itself up as a hypocrite.
What's the Big Issue?
TV streaming apps like YouTube TV don't just appear on devices like Roku. Instead, they come alone with different contract agreements, such as cost-sharing app purchases, how much that app or service is advertised on the device's home screen or app store, and how much access to user data the service provider will.
In the battle between Roku and Google, it appears that Google not only wants an outsized presence on Roku devices versus its competitors, but it also wants unprecedented access to customer data.
Yes, Google's Making a Fight Over Data Access
Let's be clear about this: Google's big sticking point and the primary reason its YouTube TV app is disappearing off of Roku devices is because the company wants to change its deal with Roku. Wanting a larger presence is not particularly crazy, although we aren't privy to exactly what that means.
As reported by The Verge, Google wants "unfair terms that would adversely affect streaming competitors and benefit the YouTube suite of apps." That point of contention may be a bit weaksauce on Roku's part, especially since it give$ prime reale$tate via shortcut buttons to $ome companie$ on it$ remote control device$.
However, the demand for deeper data access is really where Roku is definitely right in pushing back. Data privacy is big right now, and more consumers than ever want increased control over how much data they share, and whether or not they even share it. By asking for more data access, Google is essentially trying to force Roku to become complicit in data gathering without users' consent. That's not cool.
And it certainly flies in the face of Google's current motto, "Do the right thing". And unless we forget, the company's previous long-time motto was "Don't be evil." Arguably, trying to surreptitiously gather user data without their knowledge might....just....be evil. And not the "right thing."
Who Will Win this Fight?
More likely than not, Google will eventually walk away with the win, and Roku will probably capitulate on almost all fronts. Google is a monster, and its YouTube TV service is currently the most popular vMVPD on the market but a long shot. If Roku wants those dollars (and you know it does), it will need to give in to Google's demands. After all, Roku is a publicly-traded company. It can only stand on principle for so long before investors demand it "do the right thing" for their interests.
Needless to say, spats against one of the biggest companies in the world isn't good for investor relations or stock prices.
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This Week's Streaming Guide
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1. PBS Explores the Fascination with Long Life
Watch the PBS special Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer tonight (Tuesday, May 11) at 8 PM EST. - Watch PBS Without Cable
2. Hold onto Your Tinfoil Hats. 'America's Book of Secrets: Special Edition" Is Coming
Bigger, bolder, and even more engaging. Watch the Special Edition on the History Channel tonight at 10 PM EST. - Watch History Channel Without Cable
3. Discovery+ Delving into the World of Homemade Rockets
Its new special, Homemade Astronauts, will be available this Thursday, May 13, will. - Watch on Discovery+
4. Who Is Killing Sorority Sisters on Lifetime?
Watch the new thriller movie Sorority Sister Killer on Lifetime this Sunday, May 16, at 8 PM EST. - Watch on Netflix
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News and Industry Developments
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1. Netflix Testing New Service Called 'N-Plus'
The expanded version of Netflix would include behind-the-scenes content, among other things. - TechRadar
2. Roku Officially Loses YouTube TV
It's gone for now, but there are other ways to watch YouTube TV - TechHive
3. Apple Made It Harder to Cancel Your Hulu Sub
Apparently, Hulu was using Apple's API to get users to cancel the App Store subscription and sign up directly through Hulu. - The Verge
4. Disney Quietly Erased 'Agents of Shield' from MCU Cannon
It's a bigger deal than you think. - Inverse
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