The biggest issues with delivery robots are exactly what you'd think

Imran Shaikh (0:00)

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Imran Shaikh (1:53)

The biggest issues with delivery robots are exactly what you'd think. More on that in moments, but first, Roku will let users play with experimental apps for its home entertainment platform through a new program called Roku Labs. The program is launching with four in-development apps, and unlike other beta programs like Xbox Insider, it can be accessed by any Roku owner through the new Roku Labs tile directly on the Roku home screen. The new experimental apps include Backdrop Studio, which lets users customize their Roku's background with art and images, Roku Immers, a new way to set custom screensavers, Roku Weather, a dedicated weather app, and Roku Stocks, a built-in stock tracker. Roku says users who experiment with the apps will be able to offer feedback and directly influence their future development. In the coming months, Roku says it will roll out its updated home screen layout to users in Mexico and Brazil, give users the ability to ask for a weather forecast with their voice, and update the platform's search experience with explanations for why content appears in the order it does. For anyone down to tinker, the company is also open-sourcing Roku LTOS, the operating system used to power its remotes and smart home products. Roku says the development kit will be available for free and it will provide a video training series that can get you up to speed on how to work with it for your own projects.

And controversial new features dominated the conversation around the Apple Watch Series 12 launch last week. While the company's latest smartwatch had worthwhile updates, like a redesigned health sensing array, new gesture support, a revived ceramic case, and improved battery performance, it felt like they were quickly forgotten. In the aftermath of the keynote presentation, people seemed lost in the controversy around two new Apple Watch features, Siri recaps and Live Rewind. They're part of a new suite of audio intelligence tools that use the Series 12's microphone to listen to sounds and speech around their wearer and deliver notifications, transcripts, or summaries. Check out Sherlyn Lowe's full review of the Apple Watch Series 12 right now at engadget.com.

People tend to have two distinct reactions upon seeing a robot delivery driver scurrying down the sidewalk. Some are charmed by their anthropomorphized faces and see a cute little guy doing their job, while others feel instant annoyance at what's come to be known as a clanker in their path. Regardless of your gut reaction, they've become an increasingly large part of the delivery landscape in several countries. The concept of delivery robots first began in Estonia in 2014, when Skype co-founders Ati Heinle and Janos Friis started Starship Technologies. What was initially a small project saw a major boom during the pandemic. The company now operates in over 80 cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. There are now several more companies in the delivery robot landscape besides Starship, like Cerv Robotics, Coco Robotics, and delivers.ai.