AI tech can now remove ads and bloatware from your TV ‣ Diverse Daily

Rewind the clock nearly two decades. Samsung, LG, Sony, and other TV makers are just beginning to introduce the future of home TV interactivity. Smart TVs are at the top of the product line and tout a screen that is connected to the internet and capable of streaming. Later, smart home networks like Amazon’s Alexa are integrated with smart TVs, further increasing your screen’s capabilities. It seemed like a good deal and a great way to move forward in the entertainment space. At the end of the day, technology is supposed to make our lives easier. But soon your TV will start recommending shows, displaying ads, and even gathering your viewing data in a seemingly invasive maneuver. Eventually, you start to wonder if your TV would be better off without all the smart features.

It’s a true irony. Manufacturers have spent years making TVs smarter, only for many buyers to begin preferring the dumber TV experience we used to have many years ago. Enter AI. The technology has been billed as a way to expand the capabilities of machines and computer systems. But now, many users are harnessing the technology to strip Smart TVs of their “intelligence.” On the surface, it’s a strange concept. But in practice, it makes a lot of sense.

AI is helping many buyers remove the bloat from their smart TVs

You can get rid of the intrusive elements of smart TV UIs

Let’s be clear: consumers aren’t rejecting the idea of smart TVs; they’re rejecting forced filler, including advertising. Many projects are emerging where ambitious individuals are using AI to code packages that alter or “clean” smart TVs, removing all elements that most users dislike. These modifications aren’t just about removing advertising, complicated menus, and ACR (Automatic Content Recognition, the ability for your TV to track your viewing data); they can also craft simple and customized launchers and menus. The real benefit of removing all the clutter is faster TV response times. Less lag when navigating menus is a real treat for anyone who has experienced the frustration of such latency in their TV sets.

Many of these coders are sharing their projects on Github. Dumbtv is one such example. But keep in mind, you don’t have to be an experienced coder in the age of AI. That’s one of the many benefits of AI technology. In many different arenas, people have been able to use AI for modifications, making coding more accessible.

Weigh your options

There are pros and cons to hacking your TV with AI assistance

Like anything, hacking your devices comes with its own set of risks. But people have been hacking phones, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and any device under the sun for years. Hacking a device always risks doing irreparable harm to your device’s core operating processes. And we all know that AI isn’t perfect. It can absolutely make mistakes. If dumbing down your TV sounds like a worthwhile venture, do your research before modifying your high-value investment. Ensure that you understand the commands that are going into the code that you’re using. Disabling crucial software could be the kill switch that you don’t want to mistakenly flip. You can also develop a potential recovery (backup OS) plan should things go south. The long and short of it is this: don’t just fully trust everything AI provides you. Ensure that you do the due diligence to understand the process.

With that said, AI could guide you to making a customizable interface unique to your preferences. Shedding intrusive ads and removing background noise can not only create a more user-friendly environment, but it can also make your TV more efficient. And while not every smart TV is collecting your viewing data, there’s always the potential that this problem exists. Modifications with AI can help you lock down your privacy.

Remember, the best technology is the kind that actually benefits you, not the kind that requires your constant attention. When they were first created, smart TVs were meant to provide users with a more convenient and integrated experience. But once that interconnectivity occurred, it didn’t take long for commercial excess to weasel its way into each smart television on the market. Ironically, AI technology might help you return your TV to a more primitive era. Believe it or not, the best upgrade might simply be knowing what to turn off.