Update? People hook these things up to the internet?
Enshittification finds away.
- New TV could require/force initial update before TV can be used.
- TV manufacturer could have deal with wireless internet provider to allow them to connect and update their devices.
- TV:s could already be part of some IOT network that exists only for updates and analythics. All user would need to do is to power the device.
For God’s sakes people, disconnect your TV’s from the internet already.
You are totally correct, but I feel like for many people that just won’t fly.
For most people a brand new TV is an investment, usually preceded by some research and is intended to be used for hopefully a lot of years. The smart feature is not just a part of the package they paid for, it might even be the deciding factor for why they choose one TV over another. I’ve heard from many people they specifically chose for example LG because of how their remote created an easy to use Wii like pointer on the screen. The smart features are a part of the product and people have the expectation to use it. Especially these days where a lot of people watch stuff on various TV/movie streaming services and sites like YouTube and Twitch, and people not even having traditional TV or cable anymore. The supported apps and features are important and to be used to connect to those services on the internet.
Then we come along with some IT knowledge and we say they shouldn’t connect their TV to the internet and just use it as a dumb screen. So they should invest another $50 at least (or more like $200 if they go Apple TV) for another device just to do the things the TV already does. Now they need somewhere to put that device and cables running all over the place. Or it’s one of those dongle thingies which you can tuck away, but still has a cable because it requires more power than the USB on the TV provides. And if you tuck it away, the TV blocks the wifi, so it doesn’t work properly. And then they have this little sad dongle flopping on the side of the TV in full view, just to do the things it already could do without all of that. And you would probably need another remote to use it, which isn’t great (sure you can probably turn the TV on and off with HDMI-CEC, but I’ve had nothing but issues with that).
And if they are a little bit smarter, they might ask: “So if I buy one of those Google or Apple devices, how certain are you they won’t get an update and be shit?” And I would have to honestly say, you really don’t know. I’ve seen Google add a billion ads to their Google TV stuff, to the points it’s more ads than an actual functional UI. And we all know Apple doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to these things. So they might turn to Amazon, Aliexpress, wish.com etc. and buy one of those cool Android TV boxes. Super cheap, has all the stuff you need and can even access some stuff for free which you would normally have to pay for. Not to mention the fact those are usually illegal, depending on where you live, they are also not something you want to have on your home network and internet connection.
So it’s basically a no-win scenario. I don’t blame people who pay good money for a smart TV, to actually use it as a smart TV.
The smart feature is not just a part of the package they paid for, it might even be the deciding factor for why they choose one TV over another.
That makes no sense when the best experience is delivered by an external device that you can just plug into any TV.
So they should invest another $50 at least (or more like $200 if they go Apple TV) for another device just to do the things the TV already does.
They can spend $20 and get a device that importantly does not do the things their TV does. Like showing you ads, collecting data, and (in this case) cramming AI bullshit down your throat.
Or it’s one of those dongle thingies which you can tuck away, but still has a cable because it requires more power than the USB on the TV provides.
Okay? Attach it to the other power cable.
And if you tuck it away, the TV blocks the wifi, so it doesn’t work properly.
What? No it doesn’t…
And you would probably need another remote to use it, which isn’t great (sure you can probably turn the TV on and off with HDMI-CEC, but I’ve had nothing but issues with that).
I don’t know what issues you have but I’ve never heard of them or experienced them. Usually the third-party remotes are better than the factory ones as well, and smaller to boot.
And if they are a little bit smarter, they might ask: “So if I buy one of those Google or Apple devices, how certain are you they won’t get an update and be shit?” And I would have to honestly say, you really don’t know.
Then you get a different, less-shit device and plug it in. You cannot unplug the bullshit AI machine from inside your TV.
I’ve seen Google add a billion ads to their Google TV stuff
Just install a different launcher. No ads to speak of.
So basically, it’s a win-only scenario. You skip the bullshit, ensure the functionality and longevity of your TV, and get a better experience in the process.
Man they really are trying to shove Copilot everywhere.
They’re dabbing on us, and it’s kind of funny, in a very dark sort of way.
And I must admit, I’m morbidly curious to see this clown show rollout.
what use could that possibly fucking have
I’ll pay extra for a 1440p flat screen TV that has absolutely zero smart features.
The difference between a dumb TV and a monitor is a builtin OTA TV tuner. And the monitor will probably have a DisplayPort input.
