# Roku Labs lets anyone test experimental apps

> Roku is opening its platform to everyday users for testing new features and even open-sourcing its remote operating system.
- Title: Roku Labs lets anyone test experimental apps · Engadget
- Summary: Roku is opening its platform to everyday users for testing new features and even open-sourcing its remote operating system. Roku is democratizing app…
- Keywords: roku, roku labs, experimental apps, beta testing, home entertainment, roku lt os, open source, remote operating system, roku immerse, roku weather, roku stocks, backdrops studio
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2260704/roku-is-giving-users-access-to-experimental-apps-with-roku-labs
- Author: Ian Carlos Campbell
- Published: 2026-09-17T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: roku, roku labs, experimental apps, beta testing, home entertainment, roku lt os, open source, remote operating system, roku immerse, roku weather, roku stocks, backdrops studio
## Roku Labs opens beta testing to everyone
Roku is launching Roku Labs, a new program that lets any Roku owner test experimental apps directly from their home screen, unlike traditional beta programs that require special enrollment.
## Four new apps launching in beta
The initial lineup includes Backdrops Studio for custom backgrounds, Roku Immerse for screensavers, Roku Weather for forecasts, and Roku Stocks for tracking market data.
## Users shape the future of these apps
Roku says testers can offer feedback that directly influences how these experimental apps develop, giving regular users a voice in product decisions.
## More updates coming soon
Roku plans to roll out an updated home screen to Mexico and Brazil, add voice weather requests, and improve search with explanations for content ordering.
## Roku open-sources its remote OS
Roku is releasing Roku LT OS, the operating system powering its remotes and smart home products, as free open-source software with a training video series for developers.
## Key takeaway

Roku is democratizing app development by letting any user test experimental features and giving developers free access to its remote operating system.