Fox Seals Roku Acquisition Amid Screen Saver Changes
Fox Corporation has completed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku, with notable changes to the popular streaming device's screensavers.
Fox Corporation has sealed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku, marking a significant shift in the tech and entertainment landscape. The deal, which closed earlier than anticipated on a Friday, brings together two giants in their respective fields, with Roku's global reach of 100 million households now under Fox's umbrella 123456.
The acquisition is not without its quirks, however. One of the most beloved features of Roku devices, the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver, is set to be replaced by the 'Roku City' screensaver. This change comes as a result of the deal, with Jim Sachs, the creator of 'Aquatic Life', ending his lucrative arrangement with Roku due to the acquisition 1. Sachs's screensaver, which has been a staple for ten years, has garnered widespread affection among users, making its departure a bittersweet moment for many 1.
Anthony Wood, the founder of Roku, is set to take on a new role within Fox, joining the board of directors and leading the company's digital platforms division 56. This move suggests a smooth transition for Roku as it integrates into its new parent company, with Wood's expertise likely to play a crucial role in shaping Fox's future digital strategies.
While the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver may be fading away, its successor, 'Roku City', promises to keep users engaged with its own unique charm. However, unlike its predecessor, 'Roku City' will feature subtle advertisements, a change that might not sit well with all users 1.
What we know
- - Fox Corporation completed its $22 billion acquisition of Roku 123456
- - The deal closed earlier than expected, on a Friday 245
- - Roku reaches 100 million households globally 245
- - Anthony Wood, Roku's founder, will join Fox's board of directors and lead Fox Digital Platforms 56
- - Jim Sachs, creator of the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver, ended his deal with Roku due to the acquisition 1
- - The 'Aquatic Life' screensaver will be replaced by the 'Roku City' screensaver on affected devices 1
- - 'Roku City' screensaver includes subtle advertisements 1
- - Many Roku users expressed sadness and disappointment about losing the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver 1
Trust Score report
High confidence — probability of truth 86%, weighted across 10 claims from 6 independent outlets. Since the first report: 86% → 86%, outlets 6 → 6.
- confirmed Fox Corp. completed its acquisition of Roku for $22 billion. (97%)
- confirmed The deal was valued at $22 billion. (97%)
- confirmed The acquisition was completed earlier than expected, closing on a Friday. (93%)
- confirmed Roku reaches 100 million households globally. (93%)
- likely Anthony Wood, Roku's founder, will join Fox's board of directors and lead Fox Digital Platforms. (83%)
- likely Jim Sachs, the creator of the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver, ended his lucrative deal with Roku because of Fox's acquisition. (72%)
- likely The 'Aquatic Life' screensaver has been available for 10 years. (72%)
- likely Roku will replace the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver with the 'Roku City' screensaver on affected devices. (72%)
- likely 'Roku City' screensaver includes subtle advertisements. (72%)
- likely Many Roku users expressed sadness and disappointment about losing the 'Aquatic Life' screensaver. (72%)
Sources
- Ars Technica — Developer ends lucrative screensaver deal with Roku because Fox bought it
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/11/artist-pulls-popular-screensaver-from-roku-os-because-of-fox-acquisition/ - LA Times Entertainment — Fox owns Roku after $22-billion deal closes ahead of schedule
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-11-06/fox-closes-roku-acquisition - The Hollywood Reporter — Fox Agrees to Keep Roku Open to Rivals in Justice Department Greenlight
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/fox-roku-open-justice-department-greenlight-1236749839/ - TechCrunch — Fox completes its $22B acquisition of Roku
https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/06/fox-completes-its-22b-acquisition-of-roku/ - Engadget — Fox wraps up its $22 billion Roku deal
https://www.engadget.com/2309307/fox-wraps-up-its-dollar22-billion-roku-deal/ - The A.V. Club — Roku is officially part of Fox's domain
https://www.avclub.com/roku-acquired-by-fox