The ongoing dispute between Roku and Google has taken another turn: in April, the dispute prevented Roku from offering its YouTube TV app to existing users, and now Google is pulling its main YouTube and YouTube TV apps. It appears that they are threatening to do so.

The two companies are in talks to reach some sort of agreement regarding Roku and the YouTube app, but the current agreement expires on December 9 (so you need to download YouTube to your Roku now). Apparently, if a new agreement cannot be agreed upon by then, Google will stop Roku from offering YouTube to new customers.

Roku is a company that prides itself on its independence. It owns many of its own services, but historically the company has not tended to favor one service over another.

There are exceptions, such as pre-programmed buttons on the remote control and more advertising on Roku channels, but not to the level that the Fire TV Stick, like Amazon's, always directs users to Amazon-owned services and content. [Roku, however, accuses Google of trying to screw this up, claiming that Google requires Roku to prioritize YouTube over content providers in its search results. The company also claims that Google discriminates against Roku by "demanding search, voice, and data features that other streaming platforms do not require."

It claims that shortly after Roku posted the update, it received a notice from Google confirming that new users would no longer be able to download the YouTube app on Roku devices if a resolution was not reached.

Roku says it is working to ensure that users continue to have access to the YouTube app, but Google denies the streamer's version of events. According to the search giant, it "continues to work with them [omitted] to find a solution that benefits our mutual users," and then accused Roku of making "unproductive and unfounded claims" instead of working constructively with Google.

This type of dispute seems to occur frequently, especially when YouTube is involved. Prime Video likewise was not available on Google devices like the Chromecast.

Being one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world means that losing YouTube is a big deal. Existing customers will still be able to access YouTube on their Roku devices after the December 9 deadline, but new customers will not be so lucky.

We do not have insider information, so we do not know how valid or accurate the companies' statements are. However, since Roku has a lot to lose by not offering YouTube, it would not make sense to confuse Google in trying to renew the agreement.

This is very strange because I thought such a partnership would be beneficial to both Google and Roku; Roku could advertise that it has access to all the biggest streaming services, including YouTube, while Google can get advertising revenue from yet another platform.

We will just have to wait and see how this plays out and hope it gets resolved - like the negotiation issues that initially prevented Roku users from accessing HBO Max.