Let's be clear: Roku owners should download the YouTube app now (or at least by Thursday, December 9). Why? Because that's the big doomsday between Roku and Google, which could jump from app to app and pull YouTube from Roku's app store. You may not use YouTube on your TV now, but there is a good chance you will want YouTube later.

Roku announced this news on October 21, updating its press release to state that "Google has informed us that it will no longer offer YouTube on the Roku platform for new users unless we reach agreement on renewal terms before our current agreement expires."

Why is this?

Why is this happening? Same reason as always. Companies are in disagreement over sharing money and data, and it is us, the customers, who suffer (as always).

It all started when Roku kicked the YouTube TV app out of the Roku Channel Store (i.e., made it available only to those who had already downloaded it), while accusing Google of anti-competitive behavior and demanding preferential treatment and more data than usual. YouTube claimed these claims were unfounded, but CNBC reported seeing a 2019 email from Google to Roku asking for preferential treatment in search results. For more information, check out my earlier post on this subject.

Of course, it is possible that the two sides will resolve this matter by December 9, but we cannot expect a "kumbaya" moment where Google and Roku join hands and make it a thing of the past. Both companies probably want to put this issue behind them and get back to making money, but they also seem to have different terms on which they want to profit.

Because while the YouTube app may be leaving the Roku Channel Store, the app will still work if you download it now. And that means you can keep your access to YouTube TV (where you can watch the Celtics vs. Lakers live stream); from Roku, this is a very simple process.

If you sign in with your Roku account, you can also use the YouTube app via a web browser, even when away from your computer.

Go to this page and click "+ Add Channel."

But honestly, I would go back on Wednesday (Dec. 8) to double-check that this worked.

Roku is a top pick for best streaming device, but that ranking is in jeopardy right now. If YouTube is forced out of the Roku Channel Store, we would not be able to confidently recommend a Roku device. Sure, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is great, but the Chromecast with Google TV is also great and has no problems finding apps.

Stay tuned, readers. And download YouTube on Roku now.