A Reddit user recently reported that his LG smart TV had just received an update with Microsoft Copilot installing itself, but without an option to remove it. Apparently, Samsung has also introduced this exciting new feature, so this is yet another example of AI cynically insinuating itself into our lives whether we want it or not. Presumably, this is a deal done between Microsoft and the big TV manufacturers. But what possible use would AI have in your TV? None that I can think of, except probably the collection of your personal data and viewing habits to come up with ‘helpful recommendations’? No, thank you, just get out of my life, evil AI! I decide when and where to use a robot, and it certainly won’t be on my TV.
Turn Your Smart TV Into A Dumb Device!
We have an LG 43″ smart TV from 2018, which we bought for the soccer World Cup that year. Initially, we used the crappy installed apps with the TV connected to the Internet over Wi-Fi, but soon enough I realised the restrictions of a smart TV, disconnected it from the Internet, and now view everything on the TV through a mini-PC, which gives me total control.
In fact, I just checked, and the TV is fortunately too old for Copilot, whether I wanted it or not, but that’s not the point. Many have pointed out that this invasion may well be taken up by the EU Commission and other authorities if there’s enough of an outcry, but I’m not holding my breath.
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