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Roku’s new Backdrops feature is blatantly inspired by Samsung’s Frame TV

Have no fear: Roku City isn’t going anywhere.

Roku is the latest company to lean into the trend of throwing artwork onto your TV screen, offering viewers some serene relaxation time when they’re not actively watching something. Viewers can also learn more about the artwork, including artist name, year it was created, and a brief description for each image, even cycle in photos from their personal collection to display on the largest screen in their home. At least Roku is recognizing it’s a little late to this game with the silly, over-the-top video up top that describes Backdrops as “revolutionary.” There’s more to The Frame’s success than the artwork alone, of course; the TV has customizable bezels and a matte screen finish that makes the whole effect more convincing.

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