Roku is stepping into the digital art display arena with its new Backdrops feature, offering users a free way to turn their TVs into virtual art galleries when not in use.
A Free Alternative to Premium Art Display TVs
In a move that echoes Samsung's popular Frame TV concept, Roku has announced the rollout of Backdrops, a new feature that allows users to display artwork and photography on their Roku-enabled devices. Unlike some competitors that require subscriptions, Roku is offering this feature at no additional cost to its customers.
What Backdrops Offers
- Thousands of curated artworks, including famous classics and museum collections
- Abstract designs and photography options
- Ability to display personal photos
- Information about each artwork, including artist name, creation year, and a brief description
- Customizable display settings, including brightness adjustment and image rotation timing
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| Roku’s Backdrops feature transforms your TV into a virtual art gallery, displaying beautiful coastal scenes like the one shown here |
Availability and Rollout
The feature will be introduced in phases:
- First on Roku-branded TVs and third-party Roku TV models
- Later in the fall, it will come to Roku streaming devices and soundbars
Users can access Backdrops through their TV's settings menu or a dedicated app once it becomes available.
How It Works
Backdrops can be activated in several ways:
- Manually through the app
- Automatically when the TV is in off state
- Via voice command
While Backdrops offers a new aesthetic option, Roku assures users that it won't replace the iconic Roku City screensaver, which will continue to function as before.
Market Context
This move puts Roku in direct competition with other TV manufacturers and platforms offering similar features:
- Samsung's The Frame TV
- Amazon's Ambient Experience on Fire TV
- Offerings from Hisense and TCL
However, Roku's free approach may give it an edge in attracting users who want the functionality without the premium price tag often associated with art display TVs.
As the digital art display trend continues to grow, Roku's entry with Backdrops demonstrates the company's commitment to enhancing user experience and staying competitive in the evolving smart TV landscape.