I noticed today on my roku that the app icon now says “Plex: free movies and TV” … no idea how long it has said that, as I’m usually on another device. As minor as this may sound, I have no interest in the content streaming services of Plex. It’s great if others do, but labeling it with ‘free’ just feels cheap, just like if my Sonos system icon said, “Sonos: free music”. More and more, I feel like Plex is pushing on demand content and services and really, all I want is for it to organize and stream MY (not free) content, and it is getting harder to keep this crap off of my yard, so to speak.
I mean, even reading this app page on roku seems to downplay the very core features many use it for:
Maybe Plex should consider splitting this up into separate experiences: “Plex Home” app and “Plex Free Movies, TV, podcasts, music, and more! Did we say FREE?!” app.
Seriously, I hope all this is successful for Plex; just make sure those of us who don’t want any of this can kick it to the curb. And keep the icon classy.
Trying to be very objective here. Plex made it very easy to hide the sponsored content if you don’t want to use it. At the end of the day, the platform needs to make money in order to still be relevant and be available. I for one, am happy for the additional option of sponsored content. I think that they have done a great job of splitting stuff up as you can edit how your content and library is displayed and organized at your hearts content. If you don’t want to make use of the free/sponsored content, then just edit your home screen and you will never see it.
You are right in that it isn’t too difficult to hide these sources and I get that some users will very much welcome the content. It could be some users only use this content. No argument against Plex making money, but I will say that I’ve paid quite a bit as well.
My main point is: between the icon and the product description, it is clear to me they are changing directions. As long as I can filter their content, I’m fine with that. But let’s make sure the users who don’t want all this can always turn it off.
I still think any app icon with the word FREE in it is pretty low rent.
