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Aug 30, 2018 - Apple has many restrictions on its products, and as a result it can be hard to. Ensure that your Roku app is up to date with the latest version.
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- Roku recently allowed two InfoWars streaming apps in the Roku Channel Store.
- InfoWars has been banned from Facebook, YouTube, Apple podcasts, Twitter and other platforms for violating hate speech policies.
- Roku has since deleted the InfoWars app following a flood of user complaints and negative press coverage.
Source: CNBC
Months after Facebook, YouTube, Apple, Twitter and other platforms banned InfoWars content, Roku seemed to do the opposite: It recently published an updated app that provided access to Alex Jones' InfoWars videos. The app was first spotted by DigiDay and, ultimately, Roku decided to delete it following a flood of complaints and criticism.
Many of the aforementioned companies had banned InfoWars five months ago for violating user terms, including policies that prohibit hate speech. But, before changing its stance on the app, Roku told DigiDay that InfoWars hadn't broken any policies yet, so it was free to run its content.
But there was a backlash on places like Twitter and the tech press where people questioned why Roku would allow InfoWars on its platform when so many others had found it violated terms. Roku's developer terms prohibit apps that 'harm, threaten, harass, bully, or defame any end user or constitute hate speech... contain false, irrelevant or misleading information.'
InfoWars has been known for reporting conspiracy theories, most notably that the Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax.
In an email to CNBC with the subject line 'Roku / InfoWars - WE TOOK IT DOWN,' the company gave the following statement:
After the InfoWars channel became available, we heard from concerned parties and have determined that the channel should be removed from our platform. Deletion from the channel store and platform has begun and will be completed shortly.
At the time of publication two InfoWars apps, including one that appeared to be updated on Tuesday, were no longer available in the Roku Channel store.
PayPal bans InfoWars for 'promoting hate'
Roku is in talks with Apple about supporting AirPlay 2, with the two companies currently working out details surrounding the partnership, according to a source familiar with the matter. The plans are not finalized and are subject to change.
We're told that AirPlay 2 support is likely to arrive in the form of a Roku OS software update for Roku media players, which can be used with virtually any smart TV. The update would likely extend to smart TVs with Roku OS preinstalled, including select models from Sharp, TCL, Insignia, Hisense, Sanyo, and RCA.
It's unclear when the software update might be released or if it will be limited to select Roku players and TVs. We're told the partnership may extend to Apple Music, suggesting that Roku OS could gain an app to access the streaming music service alongside existing apps for Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Last month, we asked Roku if it was willing to work with Apple on AirPlay 2 support and a spokesperson said 'we don't have anything to share regarding this now.' Roku did not immediately respond to our follow-up request for comment today, while Apple rarely comments on its plans in advance.
With AirPlay 2 support, Roku users would be able to stream video, audio, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their smart TVs. HomeKit is also coming to many smart TVs, enabling users to control volume, playback, and more using Siri or the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Last month, Apple announced that select AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs are coming from leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony. Samsung's latest smart TVs are also getting an exclusive iTunes app for movies and TV shows.
We're told that AirPlay 2 support is likely to arrive in the form of a Roku OS software update for Roku media players, which can be used with virtually any smart TV. The update would likely extend to smart TVs with Roku OS preinstalled, including select models from Sharp, TCL, Insignia, Hisense, Sanyo, and RCA.
It's unclear when the software update might be released or if it will be limited to select Roku players and TVs. We're told the partnership may extend to Apple Music, suggesting that Roku OS could gain an app to access the streaming music service alongside existing apps for Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
Last month, we asked Roku if it was willing to work with Apple on AirPlay 2 support and a spokesperson said 'we don't have anything to share regarding this now.' Roku did not immediately respond to our follow-up request for comment today, while Apple rarely comments on its plans in advance.
With AirPlay 2 support, Roku users would be able to stream video, audio, photos, and more directly from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to their smart TVs. HomeKit is also coming to many smart TVs, enabling users to control volume, playback, and more using Siri or the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Last month, Apple announced that select AirPlay 2-enabled smart TVs are coming from leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Sony. Samsung's latest smart TVs are also getting an exclusive iTunes app for movies and TV shows.