Roku launches new personal-use developer kit

Roku is launching a new independent developer kit that will allow developers to “experiment with and customize their devices” in personal-use capacities.

Roku says it hopes the IDK will lead to innovation around internet-of-things applications, such as connecting a Roku device to a thermostat or game development.

Roku unveiled its plans for the new IDK at its online developer summit this week. The company made it clear in an announcement about the IDK that its Roku SDK will remain the primary channel development kit for commercial applications but said that the new developer kit “enables developers to explore the platform’s capabilities and personalize their Roku experience.”

The company isn’t quite clear on how developers will use the new IDK, Roku’s VP of content partnerships Tedd Cittadine said during a keynote address, but its primary purpose is to help Roku continue to innovate its platform.

Some applications might include building games that work specifically with the Roku remote or building apps to control smart home devices around the house.