TV streaming service provider Roku is now planning to launch a marketplace for video subscription services in the coming months, which will let users sign up for and watch subscription services without the need to download separate apps on Roku devices.
Roku does offer access to subscription services like HBO Now and CBS All Access through its channel store. Consumers who want to access any of these services need to download a dedicated app and then sign up for the service either through their TV or the service provider’s website.
This new service is very similar to Amazon Channels launched by Amazon in late 2015. Offered exclusively to Prime members, Amazon Channels provides consumers the ability to quickly sign up for over 235 video subscription services directly from their Fire TV device.
Roku, however, isn’t the only one mimicking Amazon. Bloomberg reported last month that Apple is looking to resell video subscriptions via its TV app, which is available on Apple TV and mobile devices.
Roku’s long-term vision is to bring together a number of these paid services in the same channel, making it easier to subscribe to, and then access, any premium content, without the need to download and launch different apps. The company has also been working on an upgrade for its billing platform, dubbed Roku Pay, to make it easier for consumers to pay for these services.
“Roku’s planned merging of these paid services to the same channels will allow users to subscribe to and access premium content without the need to download and launch different apps,” a Variety report says.
Roku shares are down 13.1% so far this year, while the S&P 500 has gained 3.6%.
