Roku has announced a significant update to its security camera system, introducing several new features that will make it easier for users to monitor their homes through Roku streaming devices. With a focus on tighter integration between Roku’s smart home devices and its operating system, this update is aimed at enhancing convenience for users who already rely on Roku for entertainment.

The update includes improvements such as real-time notifications, a rotating camera feed carousel, and web-based access to camera views. While these new features are slated to roll out this winter, they signal Roku's intent to expand its footprint in the smart home market, where it first ventured in 2022.

The most notable change is the ability to display real-time alerts on Roku TVs and streaming players. Previously, users could only receive notifications for motion events on their mobile devices, and alerts were limited to Roku’s video doorbells.

With this update, users will be able to receive motion detection alerts directly on their TV screens for any of Roku's smart cameras. This feature could prove especially useful for individuals who are in the middle of watching a show or movie, as they can be instantly notified if someone approaches their front door or if there is activity in other areas monitored by cameras.

In addition to notifications, Roku is introducing a Camera Carousel that will cycle through live feeds from various cameras. This allows users to monitor multiple areas of their home without needing to manually switch between feeds.

The carousel can either rotate through camera views based on a timed interval or display the feed from the camera that detects motion. The integration is seamless for users who already own Roku cameras, including the Floodlight Camera, Video Doorbell, Wire-free Video Doorbell, Indoor 360 Camera, and Outdoor Wire-free Camera.

For users who want to manage their cameras from devices other than their TV, Roku is also launching a Smart Home Web View. This feature will enable users to access live feeds from their security cameras on any web browser, whether it’s on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This development mirrors what competitors like Ring and Google Nest offer, making it easier for Roku users to keep tabs on their homes, regardless of the device they’re using.

One of the key benefits of these new features is that they will be available at no extra cost to existing Roku smart home users. The updates will automatically roll out this winter for all Roku camera and doorbell devices. However, to use these features on a television, users must own a Roku TV or a Roku streaming device, including the new Roku Ultra model announced this fall.

While the basic functionality will be free, Roku offers a paid subscription service that provides additional features. The subscription costs $4 per month (or $40 per year) for two cameras or $10 per month (or $100 per year) for up to 99 cameras. This plan includes video storage for up to 14 days, smart detection capabilities such as identifying people, packages, vehicles, and pets, and event filtering that eliminates the "cool-down" period between motion alerts.

Roku’s update aligns with what other smart home security systems offer. For example, Amazon’s Ring cameras and Google’s Nest cameras both allow users to view camera feeds via a web interface and provide real-time alerts.

However, Roku differentiates itself by integrating its security camera features directly into its entertainment platform. For users who are already invested in the Roku ecosystem, this update simplifies the process of monitoring their homes without the need to switch between different apps or devices.

The addition of on-screen notifications and a rotating camera feed is particularly noteworthy, as these features were previously missing from Roku’s smart home offerings. Users of other systems, like Apple’s HomeKit, have enjoyed similar capabilities for some time, allowing them to receive alerts for various smart home devices directly on their TV screens. By offering these features, Roku is catching up with its competitors and providing more value to its existing customer base.

Since Roku entered the smart home market in 2022 through a partnership with Wyze, it has expanded its offerings to include a range of affordable security devices. The upcoming updates mark another step in Roku’s effort to become a more comprehensive player in the smart home sector, moving beyond its core business of streaming media.