[cptskippy]

This is same reason why I refuse to use Fire TV, Android TV or Apple TV. I'll stick with Roku until the walled gardens fall.

I would suggest Roku make a digital assistant as well but it would probably come in 4 different models ranging from wholly unusable to outrageously expensive, have a purple bow tie, and need to be replaced annually with the latest model.

[the_common_man]

Roku itself is a walled garden. You cannot develop apps for them unless you are blessed by them. Last I checked the SDK was closed (as in, closed to even try out developing for Roku).

[unwiredben]

The BrightScript API for Roku app development is freely available, and any Roku set-top box or Roku TV can be put in developer mode where you can sideload your own channel. You can also upload private channels where users can install your content via a weblink -- they have to go through certification to be in the on-device Roku Channel Store. All developer docs and samplers are all on GitHub, see https://github.com/rokudev

[bobsam]

Isn't Android TV pretty open in this regard?

After all, it even has a VLC app...

[Razengan]

Apple TV has VLC too.

[bobsam]

Didn't knew that!!