LG TVs’ AI Shortcut Is Just the Tip of the Smart TV Problem
▼ Summary
– A Reddit user sparked controversy by claiming a firmware update installed an unremovable Microsoft Copilot icon on their LG smart TV.
– The online backlash was significant, with many users expressing anger over the forced installation of unwanted software.
– Several news outlets reported that the update was pushing Copilot to LG TVs and that customers were upset.
– LG clarified that the update only added a shortcut to the Copilot web app, not a full application, and requires consent for microphone use.
– The company stated the shortcut was for customer convenience, despite failing to demonstrate a clear need for AI on such devices.
A recent software update for LG smart televisions has ignited a significant online debate, highlighting broader concerns about user control and pre-installed software in modern connected devices. The issue centers on the unexpected appearance of a Microsoft Copilot icon on certain LG TV models following a webOS firmware update. Many users expressed frustration, believing the update had installed an unremovable AI application directly onto their television systems, a move perceived as intrusive and beyond their consent.
The controversy gained momentum on social platforms like Reddit, where a user detailed the sudden appearance of the Copilot shortcut. The post, which garnered tens of thousands of upvotes, sparked widespread discussion about the autonomy of device owners. Numerous customers voiced strong opposition to what they viewed as forced software bundling, arguing that such features should be optional installations chosen by the user, not defaults imposed by the manufacturer.
Following media coverage, LG clarified the nature of the update. A company spokesperson explained that the firmware did not install a full Copilot application but rather added a non-removable shortcut icon that launches the Copilot web app within the television’s built-in browser. LG stated the intent was to “enhance customer accessibility and convenience,” while also noting that features requiring microphone input would only be activated with explicit user permission.
Despite this clarification, the incident underscores a persistent tension in the smart device ecosystem. Manufacturers increasingly integrate third-party services and AI tools into non-computing hardware, from TVs to headphones, often without clear consumer demand. This practice raises questions about digital clutter, privacy, and the fundamental right of users to customize their own devices. The backlash against LG’s update is not an isolated event but a symptom of a larger industry trend where convenience for the company can sometimes feel like coercion for the customer.
(Source: Ars Technica)
