Roku is turning your TV into its own testing grounds. On Thursday, the connected TV device maker unveiled the latest update to Roku OS, which introduces a new experience called Roku Labs that allows U.S. customers to access experimental apps made by the company.<\/p>\n These still-in-development apps will be accessible through a new tile on the Roku\u2019s Home Screen. Initially, users will see apps for tracking the weather, stocks, and a new game called Roku Dash. The latter involves customers flying a UFO across \u201cRoku City,\u201d the company\u2019s default screensaver of a neon purple and pink city skyline, interspersed with references to pop culture and ads.<\/p>\n The additions suggest Roku is increasing its investment in what could turn out to be monetizable first-party apps that put the company at the center of connected households. Today, the streaming device and TV maker competes with often more advanced AI-powered connected TV products from rivals like Google and Amazon, powered by their assistants, Gemini and Alexa+.<\/p>\n Alongside this update, Roku is making its newer, personalized Home Screen available in new markets, including Mexico and Brazil, where it will offer region-specific features like localized content and tailored suggestions. In addition, Roku\u2019s Voice assistant will now be able to answer weather-related questions.<\/p>\n On the streaming side, Roku will begin offering bundled subscriptions in the U.S. and Mexico that let you mix-and-match streaming plans from smaller services like AMC+, Fox ONE, Hallmark+, Howdy, and Starz. These bundles are usually more affordable than purchasing each plan \u00e0 la carte.<\/p>\n Roku also said it is open-sourcing the software that powers its Roku remote, Roku LT OS, which could invite outside developers and makers to build their own applications and devices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Roku-City-Dash_2_High-Res.png?w=680\")