Customer Reviews (100)

Richfield K • 2025-03-25T06:24:01.920Z

my Roku reset and deleted all of my apps. I now can't add any back to my main screen

Sami Gibson • 2025-03-25T05:46:28.883Z

good

A R • 2025-03-25T05:35:12.820Z

Constantly breaks

Summary of Key Insights

The Roku App receives mixed reviews, with a significant number of users praising its convenience and usefulness as a remote replacement, while others report persistent connectivity issues, app crashes, and frustration with ads. The app is generally seen as a helpful tool when it works correctly, but reliability is a major concern. The overall sentiment is somewhat positive, but the high percentage of 1-star reviews indicates substantial problems for a segment of the user base.

  • Strengths: Convenient remote replacement, easy to use (when it works), access to Roku Channel content, private listening feature.
  • Weaknesses: Connectivity issues, app crashes, slow startup, excessive ads, unreliable search function, issues with cancelling subscriptions, and problems with the headphone feature.
  • Overall Rating: While the app has many 5 star reviews, the high number of 1 star reviews and the comments within suggest that the app has significant reliability issues.
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 55%, 4-star: 12%, 3-star: 4%, 2-star: 5%, 1-star: 24%

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but assumed to be recent based on the version number.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis (qualitative assessment of positive, negative, and neutral feedback), keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned terms and issues). Manual review of each comment to categorize issues and sentiments.

Key User Pain Points

  • Connectivity Issues: The most frequently reported problem is the app's inability to connect to Roku devices, even when both are on the same Wi-Fi network. This renders the app useless for many users.
  • App Crashes and Freezing: Several users report the app crashing or freezing, particularly during startup or while in use.
  • Slow Startup: Many users complain about the app taking a long time to start.
  • Excessive Ads: Some users find the number of ads intrusive and disruptive.
  • Search Functionality Problems: The search feature is reported as not working properly by some users.
  • Issues with Cancelling Subscriptions: Several users report difficulties canceling subscriptions through the app.
  • Headphone Feature Issues: Some users report that the private listening/headphone feature no longer works.
  • Auto-Connection Issues: Some users report the app automatically connecting to the wrong TV.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Power Button and Volume Control: Several users mentioned the lack of a power button and volume control within the app.
  • Improved Connectivity: Users want a more reliable connection between the app and their Roku devices.
  • Better Search Functionality: Users are looking for a more effective search feature.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Convenient Remote Replacement: Many users appreciate the app as a convenient alternative to the physical remote, especially when the remote is lost or misplaced.
  • Ease of Use (When Working): Some users find the app easy to use and user-friendly when it functions properly.
  • Access to Roku Channel Content: Users like having access to free movies and live TV through the Roku Channel within the app.
  • Private Listening: The private listening feature is valued by users who want to listen to TV without disturbing others.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:

    • Address Connectivity Issues: Investigate and resolve the underlying causes of connectivity problems. This is the most critical issue affecting user experience.
    • Fix App Crashes and Freezing: Identify and fix the bugs causing the app to crash or freeze.
    • Improve Startup Time: Optimize the app to reduce startup time.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Reduce Ad Intrusiveness: Re-evaluate the placement and frequency of ads to minimize disruption.
    • Improve Search Functionality: Fix the search feature to ensure accurate and comprehensive results.
    • Address Subscription Cancellation Issues: Streamline the subscription cancellation process.
    • Fix Headphone Feature Issues: Troubleshoot and resolve issues with the private listening feature.

  • Low Priority:

    • Add Power Button and Volume Control: Consider adding these features to enhance the app's functionality as a remote replacement.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Third-Party Roku Remote App with Enhanced Connectivity: A Roku remote app that focuses specifically on reliable connectivity and offers advanced troubleshooting tools could attract users frustrated with the official app.
  • Roku Subscription Management Service: A service that helps users manage all their Roku subscriptions in one place, including easy cancellation and renewal options.
  • Hardware-Based Universal Remote with Roku Integration: A physical universal remote that seamlessly integrates with Roku devices and offers advanced features like voice control and customizable buttons.

Trends and Observations

  • Connectivity is a Recurring Issue: The most significant trend is the consistently reported problem with connectivity.
  • Positive Sentiment Mixed with Frustration: While some users love the app, many express frustration with its unreliability.
  • Ad Intrusiveness is a Growing Concern: Some users are noting the increase of ads within the app.

Conclusion

The Roku App has the potential to be a valuable tool for Roku users, but its current reliability issues are significantly hindering its adoption and user satisfaction. Addressing the connectivity problems, app crashes, and slow startup times should be the top priority. Reducing ad intrusiveness and improving the search functionality would further enhance the user experience. By focusing on these improvements, Roku can transform its app into a truly indispensable companion for its streaming devices.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roku.remote