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Roku sets May 20 as date for launch of Originals

Roku’s operating system on a smart TV. (Graphic by The Desk)

Streaming hardware maker Roku will launch its slate of acquired Quibi shows and other original programs on May 20, the company announced in an email to customers on Tuesday.

In January, Roku agreed to acquire Quibi’s short form content for less than $100 million after the streamer folded last year. The hardware maker later confirmed the programs would be distributed to customers for free under the “Roku Originals” brand as the company continues to build out its blossoming streaming advertisement business.

Roku offers its free streaming platform Roku Channel on its own line of Roku hardware as well as on competing hardware platform Amazon Fire TV. Programs are also available to stream through the Roku app for Apple and Android smartphones, and a dedicated Android app is expected soon.