LG TVs’ unremovable Copilot shortcut is the least of smart TVs’ AI problems
LG says it’ll let people delete the Copilot icon. But TV chatbots aren’t going away.
TL;DR
- An LG TV firmware update caused controversy by installing an unremovable Microsoft Copilot shortcut.
- Users on Reddit and news outlets reported frustration with the forced installation of AI software.
- LG clarified that it was a shortcut to the web app, not a full installation, and pledged to allow users to delete it.
- LG plans to integrate Copilot more deeply into its webOS, including on 2025 OLED models for content discovery.
- Samsung TVs have included Copilot since August, with similar features and integration methods.
- Concerns are raised about increased user tracking, complex privacy policies, and potential TV "bloatware" with AI integration.
- The trend of integrating AI chatbots into smart TVs by companies like LG, Samsung, and Amazon is seen as a shift towards monetizing software through user data and ads.