The fight has escalated after Google has circumvented Roku's ban by adding YouTube TV access to the main YouTube app.
YouTube TV inside YouTube
Roku has removed the YouTube TV app from its platform after it failed to reach an agreement with Google over AV1, search, and other factors.
Google is now circumventing Roku's ban. The company has announced that it is introducing a YouTube TV tab inside the main YouTube app.
- "We’re introducing a new feature that gives you access to YouTube TV from within the YouTube app, making it easier to enjoy all the content you love. Existing members can easily access YouTube TV by clicking on “Go to YouTube TV” in the main YouTube app. This update will be available to all YouTube TV members on Roku over the next few days, and we will expand to as many devices as we can over time," said Google.
"Unchecked monopolist"
Roku has responded by calling Google an "unchecked monopolist".
- "Google’s actions are the clear conduct of an unchecked monopolist bent on crushing fair competition and harming consumer choice," a Roku spokesperson said. "The bundling announcement by YouTube highlights the kind of predatory business practices used by Google that Congress, Attorneys General and regulatory bodies around the world are investigating."
Google hinted that the fight could result in users being forced to find alternatives to Roku, fi they want access to YouTube TV in the future..
- "We’re still working to come to an agreement with Roku to ensure continued access to YouTube TV for our mutual customers. As of right now, existing YouTube TV members still have access to the app on Roku devices. We’re also in discussions with other partners to secure free streaming devices in case YouTube TV members face any access issues on Roku."
