Nishant is an Engineering Manager at Roku, leading mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) development for streaming and Smart Home products. His work has driven significant industry innovation, including the work on the Roku Remote App and the launch of Roku’s Smart Home product line. He also served as a judge for top industry awards like the Webby Awards and the App Growth Awards and he is a member of exclusive organizations like IADAS and the Harvard Business Review Advisory Board.
In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?
I lead mobile engineering in the Smart Home vertical at Roku, overseeing the development of high-performance, user-friendly applications that bridge streaming and IoT. I focus on scalability, innovation, and delivering seamless user experiences across mobile devices, Smart TVs, and Smart Home products. I also manage a global team of engineers and work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to expand Roku’s app ecosystem.
How did you end up working in apps?
I have always been passionate about building technology that enhances people’s everyday lives. My journey in the app industry started with mobile development early in my career, where I focused on creating engaging, high-performance experiences. Over time, I specialized in streaming and connected device ecosystems, which led me to Roku, where I now drive next-generation app innovations.
What are you most excited about in apps right now?
- IoT and Smart Home expansion: Apps are no longer just about content; they are becoming command centers for connected devices, enabling AI-powered automation.
- AI-driven personalization: Apps are increasingly leveraging machine learning to create hyper-personalized user experiences, improving recommendations, interactions, and engagement.
- Low-latency streaming and Edge computing: These technologies are reducing lag and making real-time app interactions seamless, enhancing user experience across devices.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a shout-out to who has influenced your journey in the app industry?
I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional leaders, product visionaries, and engineers throughout my career. At Roku, I have learned from mentors in product and engineering leadership, whose expertise has helped me shape my approach to app innovation and cross-functional collaboration.
What’s in your app tech stack?
- Programming languages: Swift, Objective-C, Kotlin
- Frameworks: SwiftUI, UIKit, Combine, Jetpack Compose
- Cloud services: AWS, Firebase, Google Cloud
- CI/CD and automation: Jenkins, Fastlane
- Monitoring and debugging: Bugsee, Crashlytics, Datadog
- Analytics and user engagement: Firebase Analytics
What do you like most about working in apps?
I love the ability to create seamless, intuitive, and scalable experiences that impact millions of users. Apps provide a direct connection between technology and user experience, and continuous innovation in the space keeps things exciting. Seeing the real-world impact of my work, from Smart Home automation to streaming innovations, is incredibly rewarding.
What one thing would you change about the app industry?
- Optimizing app store discovery and monetization: Developers need better tools to stand out, monetize, and retain users in an increasingly competitive market.
- Reducing app bloat: Apps are becoming overloaded with features, impacting performance and user experience. There is a growing need for lightweight, modular app design.
If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?
I’d probably be working on emerging technologies in AI, IoT, or blockchain, building intelligent, decentralized systems that drive efficiency and automation. I’ve always been drawn to high-impact innovations that change the way people interact with technology.
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