Microsoft Copilot AI Comes to LG TVs, and Can't Be Deleted

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Reaction to Copilot on LG TVs

  • Many see bundling undeletable Copilot as strongly anti-consumer and brand‑damaging for both Microsoft and LG.
  • Commenters expect this mainly exists to pad “AI adoption” metrics for investors, not to help users.
  • Some argue large companies won’t feel much brand damage and can offset it with marketing; others think reputational harm will accumulate over time.

Smart TVs, spying, and ads

  • Widespread frustration that TVs have become “spy TVs”: tracking, upsells, nag screens, unremovable apps, and worsening performance after updates.
  • LG’s “Live Plus” is highlighted as a long‑standing feature that analyzes on‑screen content for recommendations and ads; several advise turning it off and note it can re‑enable after updates.
  • People worry about a progression: optional features → degraded experience if disabled → full lock‑in requiring network accounts and always‑on connectivity.

Workarounds and alternatives

  • Common strategy: never connect the TV to the internet; use it purely as a display with Apple TV, HTPC (Linux/Jellyfin/Kodi), Chromecast, Nvidia Shield, or similar.
  • Apple TV is repeatedly praised for relatively ad‑free, polished UX, though there’s debate about Apple’s data practices and lock‑in.
  • Others propose using projectors, computer monitors, or commercial signage displays to avoid consumer “smart” stacks, despite trade‑offs (price, HDR, brightness, inputs).
  • Some say the only long‑term answer may be not owning a TV at all.

Updates, control, and rooting

  • Many view firmware updates as a vector for “enshittification”: slower UIs, more ads, lost features, and now Copilot.
  • A minority notes that some updates genuinely improve picture quality, compatibility, or panel longevity; they temporarily connect for specific updates then re‑isolate.
  • Jailbreaking/rooting WebOS to install alternative software is discussed, but it’s a cat‑and‑mouse game that can be blocked by updates.

Corporate incentives and regulation

  • Several blame misaligned metrics and “data‑driven” management: employees are rewarded for increasing AI/engagement numbers regardless of user harm.
  • There are calls for regulation (often looking to the EU) to: require explicit, granular consent for feature updates, separate security fixes, guarantee OS replaceability, and potentially ban mandatory connectivity or embedded cellular modems.

Views on AI’s value on TVs

  • Most see TV‑integrated AI as primarily a surveillance and ad‑targeting tool plus “slop generator,” not a user benefit.
  • A minority is optimistic: AI could improve content discovery and answer questions about what’s on screen—if it weren’t tied to advertising priorities.