But Copilot will still be integrated into Tizen OS, and Samsung seems keen to push chatbots to TVs, including launching Perplexity's first TV app. Amazon, which released Fire TVs with Alexa+ this year, is also exploring the possibility of putting chatbots in TVs.
After the setback LG faced this week, companies may reconsider installing AI apps on people's smart TVs. Better use of large language models in TVs could be a behind-the-scenes tool to improve TV viewing. People generally don't buy smart TVs for easier access to chatbots.
But this development is still worrying for anyone who doesn't want an AI chatbot on their TV at all.
Some people don't want chatbots on their TV
Subtle integrations of generative AI that make it easier for humans to do things like find out the name of “that movie” may have practical use, but there are reasons to be wary of chatbot-enabled televisions.
Chatbots add another layer of complexity to understanding how a TV tracks user activity. If a chatbot is involved, smart TV owners will be subject to complicated smart TV privacy policies and terms of service, as well as the similarly extensive rules of third-party AI companies. This will make it harder for people to understand what data they are sharing with companies, and there are already serious concerns about the limits smart TVs are pushing to track users, even without consent.
Chatbots can also contribute to smart TV bloatware. Unwanted fluff like games, store shortcuts, and flashy ads are already disrupting people who just want to watch TV.
LG's Copilot web app deserves some criticism, but not necessarily because of the icon that users will eventually be able to delete. The more pressing issue is the TV industry's shift to software monetization through user tracking and advertising.
If you haven't already, now's a good time to read our guide on how to break free from smart TV ads and tracking.
