Developer ends Roku screensaver deal over Fox acquisition
The gist
Artist Jim Sachs ended Roku's license for his Marine Aquarium screensaver after Fox's $22 billion Roku acquisition closed.
Affected devices switch to Roku City on Dec. 1, ending a 10-year ad-free option.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026Fox's $22 billion deal to buy Roku is announced.
- Nov 6, 2026Fox closes its $22 billion acquisition of Roku.
- Nov 6, 2026A day after learning Fox planned to buy Roku, Jim Sachs tells Prolific he will not renew Roku's license; Ars Technica reports on it.
Key terms
- screensaver
- Software that fills a computer screen with blank or moving images to prevent burn-in on susceptible displays.
- Roku OS
- A Linux-based operating system developed by Roku that runs its streaming players and smart TVs.
- license
- An official permission or permit to do, use, or own something, often given in writing.
Source: Wikipedia