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New social features further Plexβs evolution from media server business
Plex is adding new social features to the platform.
As of today, users can make and share "personalized lists on Plex of any movie, show or episode," the company said in an announcement. Later this year, users will be able to import lists from other streaming services and react to other people's lists.
This month, Plex will also launch a community forum that will allow people to "post and comment directly on any movie, show, season, or episode." Later this year, Plex will introduce "Match Scores" based on a viewer's history and past ratings to predict how much they'll like a show or movie, Plex said.


Β© Plex
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Roku OSβs home screen now features a large, permanent ad
Roku just unveiled the biggest overhaul to its smart TV operating system (OS) in 10 years. One of the most noticeable differences is that ad space now takes up a large chunk of the screenβs landing page.
Before the update, loading up a Roku OS-powered smart TV or streaming device would yield a menu on the left side with sections including βWhat to Watch,β βLive,β and βSearch.β The right side had a row of tiles for βRecommendedβ content above several rows of tiles representing downloaded apps. Once a user started started navigating the home screen, the menu would collapse, and they'd see a large ad on the right side of the screen.
The old Roku OS landing page before the ad is visible.Β
Credit:
Roku
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Hulu set to keep existing as standalone streaming service and app (for now)
Disney currently has no plans to shutter Hulu as a standalone streaming service or app, according to a company representative.
In a report from Variety today, the spokesperson said that Disney, which took total ownership of Hulu in June 2025, will continue to sell subscriptions to Hulu in the US and that βthere are no current plans to sunset the Hulu app.β
Disney owned two-thirds of Hulu before closing its acquisition of the streaming serviceβs remaining third from Comcast last year. Since then, some reports have suggested that the Hulu app would be phased out in 2026, while others have speculated that Disney would likely, but not definitely, shutter Hulu. Disneyβs statement today means that people should be able to continue watching stuff on Hulu without having to pay for Disney+ for the foreseeable future; although, Disney is free to change its mind at any point.


Β© The Walt Disney Company
Plex's 200% Lifetime Pass price hike tries forcing users to another subscription
As of July 1, at 12:01 am UTCβor June 30 at 8:01 pm ETβpeople seeking access to Plex's media server features through a one-time purchase will have to pay $750. Thatβs three times the current price of $250.
The new price will not affect current Lifetime Plex Pass holders.
A Lifetime Plex Pass allows you to stream from your own Plex Media Server to a device connected to your own network, to stream from the server remotely, and to allow others to stream remotely from your server.


Β© Plex