Most smart TVs don't include cameras, though exceptions exist such as Sony's models supporting its Bravia Cam and Samsung's older F-series sets. To check your own TV, find its model number and search the manufacturer's documentation for mentions of a built-in camera, since references to video calls may just indicate support for an external accessory. Physical inspection of the frame, especially the top edge, can reveal a lens or a retractable camera mechanism, and used TVs should be checked for detachable camera accessories.
engadget.com
· 2026-11-01
Microsoft is ending support for its Copilot AI assistant on smart TVs, according to an on-screen notification spotted by Windows Central on an LG webOS TV. The notice says the feature is scheduled for discontinuation sometime in 2026, though no exact date has been set, and neither Microsoft, LG, nor Samsung has made a formal announcement. Copilot had let viewers chat with an AI assistant, ask about on-screen content, or get show recommendations since launching on TVs at CES 2025.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-28
A growing number of tech-savvy consumers are reportedly using AI-assisted 'vibe coding' tools to tweak or build custom interfaces and features for their televisions, bypassing manufacturer software. The trend reflects broader use of generative AI coding assistants by non-professional programmers to modify consumer electronics.
entertainment.slashdot.org
· 2026-10-23
Developers are using AI coding assistants like Claude Code to remove bloatware, sponsored ads and tracking features from smart TVs, replacing stock interfaces with custom launchers. Projects such as "dumbtv" and "cleanyourtv" let users strip Android TV or Google TV systems over Wi-Fi and rebuild simplified home screens resembling Apple TV. One creator said he built the fix after noticing a sponsored ad on his parents' TV before reaching Netflix.
techcrunch.com
· 2026-10-19
Smart TVs widely employ a technology called Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which captures frequent screenshots to identify what users watch across built-in apps, streaming services and connected devices like consoles. Beyond viewing content, TVs can also collect IP addresses, Wi-Fi network details, app usage patterns, and short audio clips from voice remotes or assistants.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-18
Smart TVs still rely on remote controls, and many now support using a smartphone as a substitute via built-in IR blasters or app-based connectivity. Certain Android phones have infrared hardware and pre-installed universal remote apps that let users pair with their TV brand and control power, volume, and navigation. Devices from Apple, Samsung, and Google lack this IR hardware, but alternative software-based remote options exist for those users.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-20
A tech review explains that standalone streaming devices such as Roku, Fire TV Stick and Chromecast can meaningfully improve on a smart TV's built-in software. Because smart TV manufacturers license operating systems from companies like Amazon, Google and Roku, performance varies widely and often degrades as the hardware ages, leading to lag and crashes. Adding a modern streaming device can restore speed and reliability at a fraction of the cost of replacing an entire television.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-19
LG issued a detailed statement pushing back on a Gamers Nexus investigation alleging its smart TVs capture audio and network data even while asleep or offline. The company said voice processing only activates via a wake word or remote button press, and that features like Automatic Content Recognition and ad targeting are opt-in, not default.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-12
LG issued a statement rebutting claims that its smart TVs spy on users, asserting that wake-word audio is processed locally and only converted to text if a wake word is detected. The company said Automatic Content Recognition, voice recognition, and interest-based advertising are optional and disabled by default, and that speech data isn't stored or transmitted once the TV goes offline.
yro.slashdot.org
· 2026-09-12
LG issued a statement responding to findings from Gamers Nexus, Level1Techs and independent researchers that its smart TVs log and upload user data, including ambient audio. LG says its TVs don't continuously record or transmit conversations, that wake-word detection happens locally, and that features like Automatic Content Recognition and voice recognition are optional and off by default.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-12
LG issued a statement to Tom's Hardware rejecting claims from a Gamers Nexus investigation that its smart TVs constantly log data and record ambient audio even in standby mode. LG confirmed its TVs scan local networks for other devices, a common smart-TV feature, but insisted voice data is only processed when a remote button is pressed or a wake word like 'Hi LG' is detected. The company said no audio is transmitted unless that wake word is recognized, and wake-word detection itself happens on-device rather than being sent to servers.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-09
An investigation by Gamers Nexus, in partnership with Level1Techs and independent researchers, found that LG OLED smart TVs continuously scan local networks for nearby devices, track Wi-Fi and location data, and can record microphone audio even in standby mode. The TVs reportedly stored this data locally when disconnected from the internet and uploaded it to LG Ad Solutions once reconnected.
yro.slashdot.org
· 2026-09-08
GoKawiil