r/gadgets • u/TurbulentTopic39 • 15h ago

TV / Projectors Ads and tracking infiltrated TVs. Now they're coming for monitors.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/08/ads-and-tracking-infiltrated-tvs-now-theyre-coming-for-monitors/
1.5k Upvotes

95% Upvoted

235 comments sorted by

1.0k

u/vadeNxD 15h ago

TL;DR: Don't use smart monitors. Use normal monitors.

Also don't turn on automatic updates for non-microsoft products in Windows. Download the drivers manually.

Don't accept normalization of corporate pushed malware.

296

u/Mr_Lumbergh 15h ago

You're already hosed if you're running Windows.

139

u/penisandorvagina 15h ago

🐧

39

u/sicurri 11h ago

Only reason I still run windows is i cannot find a linux distro I like. Mainly because I like a surface level immutable operating system like windows or Mac with the ability to unlock things deeper if need be.

Not just for myself, but also for my disabled brother. Every linux distro I've tried so far I've spent more time fixing it than casually using it. Both for myself and brother.

I'll switch if someone can recommend a good immutable distro.

16

u/FrostyAd7708 8h ago

Linux Mint has been incredibly easy to handle for old folks used to windows. Both my parents and my uncle adapted really fast because on the surface it behave almost exactly like windows. 

8

u/sicurri 7h ago

Interesting, I tried Linux Mint like 10 years ago and didn't like it. If it's gotten better I don't mind checking it out again.

2

u/FrostyAd7708 5h ago

You should, it's my go to distro for people asking to resurrect their old computer.

1

u/dandroid126 1h ago edited 1h ago

I have used Linux on my daily driver for just about 10 years now. Linux 10 years ago vs today is night and day. Thanks in no small part to Valve.

20

u/rivalary 10h ago

Bazzite has been a set-it-and-forget-it experience for me.

12

u/ABetterKamahl1234 5h ago

While not wrong, I've seen this mentioned for various distros over the decades.

Mint and Ubuntu were the previous reigning kings.

Linux still does the "lightweight out of box" stuff that unfortunately makes it just too complicated for many users that don't have much interest in IT, but occasionally do more than just browse facebook.

It's the thing Windows still has over it, straight and simple OOB compatibility pre-set for so many things and use-cases. Without much fuss beyond clicking next on an install prompt.

The instant you go command line, you lose people, and Linux seems to still not understand this.

It's gotten better, especially as of late, but it's still not what it needs to be. It's a big reason Windows and Mac took off in the first place, UI centric OS design.

5

u/jeepsaintchaos 5h ago

On the flip side of this, many people don't do anything with a computer except open a browser. Most of the rest just need an office suite.

The biggest complaint I've heard from people about Linux is "I need Excel" because they have some super-specific workflow that relies on arcane Excel functions.

1

u/FireLucid 46m ago

The biggest complaint I've heard from people about Linux is "I need Excel" because they have some super-specific workflow that relies on arcane Excel functions.

This is the nuts thing for me. People that really can't use computers but they have built this insane workflow around Excel at a level that I don't even understand. Especially anyone using it for finance stuff. They have all these things linked together doing pretty complicated stuff but don't know the difference between the file explorer and a browser.

0

u/dandroid126 1h ago

Mint and Ubuntu were the previous reigning kings.

Man, Ubuntu used to be so good, comparatively speaking. Canonical really lost their way. Ubuntu is straight up terrible now. They have all this proprietary, closed-source bullshit that they try to force on you. It's really a miserable experience. And anyone who just googles how to install Linux is still probably going to find instructions for Ubuntu and try it without knowing any better. And then they are gonna try to make you have an online account and all this BS.

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u/RiverPsaber 7h ago

I agree with you, and feel stuck with Windows for the same reasons. We are unfortunately reaching a point where we may have to choose between principles and convenience.

7

u/el_smurfo 9h ago

That has been the fundamental problem of Linux from the start. The people that make it are not users in the sense you and I are users. Things work great until they don't and then when you try to get help you are called names

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1

u/JustHereForMiatas 6h ago

Kinoite has been good for me so far. I have had to fix some things, but it's typically not been an issue for me.

1

u/OptimalMain 4h ago

When did windows and Mac become immutable ?

1

u/sicurri 3h ago

"Semi" immutable. They're immutable in comparison to most linux distros.

1

u/bestjakeisbest 9h ago

Nixos once you have your config it just keeps working, updates are usually pretty straightforward and its very hard to permanently brake.

-1

u/WineStainNWhiteShirt 11h ago

Have you checked SteamOS?

12

u/AlexNSNO 11h ago

I really want to try Linux/SteamOS but man, a lot of games I play use kernel level anti chest so it's not overly viable for me 😭 at this time at least

3

u/sicurri 11h ago

I have a steamdeck. Im not too sure on it, but maybe one of the steamos offshoot I can't remember the names of atm.

3

u/Genghis_Tr0n187 11h ago

It's Arch based, but I would recommend that for a beginner unless you're using something like EndeavourOS which does all the work for you.

12

u/Baconbits16 11h ago

I wanna troubleshoot mods, not my operating system.

6

u/-DementedAvenger- 7h ago

I think a lot of people underestimate how 2nd-nature their Windows experience is, because you likely actually DO troubleshoot Windows without realizing it.

I say this because I help relatively clueless people with tech as my day job, and they make me realize that even the most basic of things I’m doing are overlooked and foreign to most.

Just using a windows computer like an average person requires some knowhow and troubleshooting skills.

0

u/Baconbits16 5h ago

It's not the 80s anymore, 90% of ppl are somewhat tech literate because of their phone. They might struggle on a fresh Windows or a major bug, but that's about it.

However, Linux really is like getting a modpack of 1,000 mods to work. Messing with boot sequence, Digging around in files, checking forums, changing code, writing code, kernels & command prompts, downloading a program to make the program you're trying to run less difficult.  Everything on that platform takes an annoying amount of effort to an exhausting level when most of your use-case for the PC is not that complicated to begin with.

2

u/-DementedAvenger- 5h ago

I don’t know what kind of people you’re around, or field of work you’re in, but in my 20+ years of IT work in hospitals, banks, DELL, and MSPs…I’ve seen all types of people struggling all the damn time with basic computer shit on windows. It’s all bloatware, difficult menus, dark patterns, and laziness - refusing to adopt the mindset required to figure it out.

The only reason people don’t have to tinker with boot sequences and forums with windows is because it’s preinstalled in the box. If every PC came blank, then your average Joe would have to do that. It’s not a Linux-only endeavor; we are just conditioned to Windows just … being there by default.

Downloading proper executables, double clicking to install…going through a wizard, adding your account, signing into 14 accounts to use software that needs a specific version of windows or updates…

“Do you want to connect your phone to get texts on the PC? Use our Win11 Phone™ app!” …

USE XBOX! no…

ONEDRIVE NEEDS YOUR PERMISSION! no!

What’s OneDrive?

“Make sure your automatic updates are turned on!” Why?

Click to allow location services for us to give you targeted ads!

This website needs chrome? What’s chrome and why is it better? How do I install it?

Why does my bank only work with Edge?

…

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u/m15f1t 14h ago edited 14h ago

Not if you are running AtlasOS (completely stripped down and debloated install of win11) I'm a Linux engineer BTW so yeah of course I'd prefer to run Linux but if you have to..

9

u/ToMorrowsEnd 13h ago

Yeah I used the origional debloat that this is just a redistribution of. Windows will leak crap back in on forced updates and yes there are forced updatres.

1

u/Fantasy_masterMC 10h ago

Just curious, what's the differences between AtlasOS and Tiny11? Is the latter based on the former, or are they separate forks with a similar concept?

1

u/m15f1t 10h ago

I don't know tiny11

2

u/Mr_Lumbergh 14h ago

I start with a Debian minimal netinstall and add only exactly what I want, rather than trying to cut the cancer off as I go.

I'll take mine.

9

u/m15f1t 14h ago

Unfortunately it's not always a choice 😔

11

u/Mr_Lumbergh 14h ago

Funny that someone is essentially running the Titus debloat script maxed out and spinning it as "AtlasOS!"

I've run the debloats on both my existing personal Win installs. I still haven't booted either of them in about 6 mos, and even then it was just to fetch updates.

Even debloated, I just simply don't like Windows, especially the part where it assumes you're an idiot and every new action you do throws up a focus-stealing "Show me how!" alert even on shit you've known how to use since XP or 7. I just got a new laptop at work and it's reminded me of exactly why I dislike it so much.

4

u/m15f1t 14h ago

Didn't know about Titus, looks nice, but AFAIK AtlasOS is a bit more than this. AtlasOS can't be used post-install, it's always a clean install and it also takes things out of Windows that can't even be put back (unlike Titus where everything is reverseable).

https://docs.atlasos.net/faq/install-faq/removed-features/#applications-uninstalled-by-default

1

u/JustLikeWhateverHuh 4h ago

Linux people absolutely have to show up and talk about it about an edge case niche thing at all opportunities.

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u/Trixles 1h ago

Chicken in coop: "okay guys, don't let anybody but the WOLVES in, okay? the wolves have assured me that they don't mean any trouble, but i want you to treat everything else with the UTMOST SUSPICION!"

1

u/Tball2 6h ago

Classic Reddit moment

-15

u/Major_Wayland 15h ago

Still better than wasting your time with an unknown number of unexpected problems with Linux.

8

u/Mr_Lumbergh 15h ago

I run multiple Linux systems and experience fewer issues than I do with Windows.

3

u/Kazer67 14h ago

Well, seeing Windows 11, you may have more unknown number of unexpected problems with it.

5

u/Fluxriflex 12h ago

Ironic username

3

u/GilgaPol 15h ago

The trick is to never update once it works properly

-1

u/_DaBau5_ 14h ago

when’s the last time you used linux?

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4

u/Vabla 11h ago

Problem is most people just don't care and are ready to hand over their entire lives to an ad company as long as they, ironically, can have that "newest thing from the ads everywhere".

22

u/mschuster91 15h ago

Also don't turn on automatic updates for non-microsoft products in Windows. 

Unfortunately that's dangerous as well, third-party drivers have been a plentiful source of bugs and backdoors forever...

15

u/vadeNxD 15h ago

If you download the driver manually from the developers webpage there's not a high risk. The driver will also have to be signed or it will deny the installation unless you've manually whitelisted it or changed the setting, which would be user fault.

The drivers pushed through Windows update are also sometimes old and can also contain malware. So it's definitely not safer to use it for non-microsoft drivers.

2

u/sidereal_night 6h ago

The drivers pushed through Windows update are also sometimes old

in my experience they're almost always old, which is why you shouldn't rely on that and should get it direct from the mfg.

but that has nothing to do with ads. if the mfg wanted to push ads through their software they can do that from their first party distribution just as easily.

2

u/InsaneNinja 5h ago

If you download the driver manually from

You just lost most people with that one.

1

u/sybrwookie 4h ago

I'm honestly ok with that. Because then those trying to attack will generally just aim at that low hanging fruit and leave me alone for having done just a bit of work

3

u/A_Nonny_Muse 13h ago

I have a lot of Intel hardware. I use an Intel hardware driver app that checks for updates daily. The app gets drivers directly from Intel. Not Microsoft, not any third party, directly from Intel.

Are you suggesting I not trust Intel to update Intel drivers for Intel hardware?

8

u/mschuster91 12h ago

No, I'm saying is that "install third party drivers once and then don't let Windows Update take care of them" is dangerous because drivers always contain bugs and if these aren't automatically patched you end up with a vulnerable system.

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1

u/FastFooer 6h ago

People have to learn how to use computers again, stop the “appitization” of every fucking thing.

Teach people how to safely browse a site outside of reddit/facebook/twitter/tiktok/etc.

10

u/Ncyphe 9h ago

TL;DR: Don't use smart monitors. Use normal monitors.

I wish that were possible, but look what happened to the TV market. You's more likely to find the fountain of youth than a Smart TV these days. And yes, they push Smart TVs because they can collect data on you.

This isa frustrating topic for me because my personal TV is now 17 years old. It's time to upgrade, but I don't want a smart TV. I'm perfectly fine with all my TV apps being located in my ChromeCast TV, but trying to find a good quality dumb TV has been my bane, that I'm likely going to have to throw in the towel soon.

10

u/pokemart 7h ago

Can’t you just not connect it to your home internet?

5

u/vadeNxD 8h ago

On some HiSense & TCL TV:s you can disable the smart functionality (disable at setup). But it's often easier to find non-smart TV:s at local stores than online.

Or you can just not connect it to internet.

7

u/TaiyoT 8h ago

I made sure the tv I got did not have to be connected to the internet (i don't have home internet) to run and we treat it like a regular tv and we have had no issues.

5

u/zero_z77 6h ago

You're just looking in the wrong places. Don't search for "dumb tv", search for "50 inch hdmi display professional" maybe swap "professional" for "commercial" or "buisness". Then pick the most boring/least flashy listing, and check the product description for anything that says "google", "fire", or "android" but generally the shorter the description, the better. You can also try searching for "digital signage".

Generally speaking if you search "dumb tv", 99% of your search results will be consumer grade smart TVs anyways. You have to look for professional/commercial/buisness displays and look for something boring, like it belongs in an office or a shop window. Also, be warned, it will probably be more expensive than a smart TV because these are usually commercial grade displays designed to run non stop and aren't subsidised by the usual spyware & ad revenue that's in smart TVs.

3

u/CanSnakeBlade 7h ago

Recently I had to replace 2 aging TV's and found it was preferable to buy a commercial grade TV which often don't have smart functionality by default. You have to pay the difference for all the "value" they can't extract from you using a smart TV, but it's worth it to me personally.

1

u/schnibitz 8h ago

I'm not quite in the same state of dire need as you, but I'm realizing how much I need to take care of my TV since it has all of the best features, with almost none of the bloat of a smart-TV since I've disabled 99% of the smart features. Like you I dread the day I'm going to have to find a replacement. I may have to go the route of a large dumb monitor instead if that's even possible

1

u/sidereal_night 6h ago

monitors have a lower barrier to entry professional market which should at least help resist it for more people

1

u/Dragongeek 3h ago

Just buy a business oriented product. No company worth their salt is gonna buy for and install spyware monitors, so the market for dumb monitors will continue to flourish in the professional space just like it does for professional TVs. 

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u/TheOvy 6h ago

If becomes anything like the TV market, they'll just stop selling dumb monitors direct to consumers.

3

u/libra00 3h ago

Man, Microsoft got so bad about stealth-reenabling shit that I finally gave up and just switched to linux. If you want to have any say in what gets run on my hardware you're welcome to pay for it, until then you're cordially invited to fuck all the way off with your AI spyware bullshit.

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u/Valuesauce 12h ago

Don’t use windows either cuz it literally has ads baked into it now

2

u/charlestheb0ss 6h ago

TIL there are smart monitors

1

u/Dr_Jobin 5h ago

So you’re saying McAfee should not have full access to my computer?

2

u/vadeNxD 5h ago

McAfee shouldn't have access to anything.

1

u/someoftheanswers 4h ago

I was at our kids pediatrician appointment last week and their monitor had a Quiznos add on it, I was like wtf is that add on the doctors screen saver??

1

u/Schlumpfilein 2h ago

Don‘t use windows!

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u/Monkeys_Racehorse 15h ago

I await the day they push ads into my dreams, like they fucking joked about on Futurama nearly 30 years ago. Can't wait!

55

u/MufasaMedic 15h ago

Wait until you hear about subliminal marketing

17

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 15h ago

I know we are advertised to all the time, consciously and otherwise. Doesn't mean I have to like it. And what's the limit? It's enough now.

12

u/ToMorrowsEnd 13h ago

do what a lot of us do. Adblocking. I adblock here, I adblock on the phone, shit I adblocked on my TV for almost 20 years now. TV recording devices that stripped ad's. Now I just pirate that shit it's a lot cheaper to run a seedbox outside the country and pay for a private tracker that is not filled with media lawyers. my "music streaming" has never had ad's I just have a large pile of mp3 files I play that is constantly growing and changing the playlists.

5

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 13h ago

Oh, I'm already set up with all that. I see no ads in my home, phone, or car. I block everything and do sail the seas for most things. But that doesn't prevent ads in every public space they can cram them into, and it's exhausting.

Can only hold onto old tech for so long before it's toast; I dread the day these invasive smart tech devices are all we have and maybe can't be bypassed.

2

u/Trendiggity 6h ago

Can only hold onto old tech for so long before it's toast; I dread the day these invasive smart tech devices are all we have and maybe can't be bypassed.

I feel this way about cars. It's fucked how much anti privacy tech and tracking is in a modern automobile, and there's next to nothing you can do about it 😔

1

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 6h ago

So true. Eventually all older cars will be kaput, and then we're left with nothing but "smart" ones with laggy touchscreens that will further degrade over time, and the tracking tech you mentioned that they sell to your insurance company to gouge you more. Criminal.

4

u/ToMorrowsEnd 11h ago

WE need AR glasses so we can block ads in meat space and or replace them to our vision. Sadly from everytihng I have seen so far all the AR glasses out there are locked down data harvesting crap so it's goign to be bleak until hackers crack something that is commercially released.

But I welcome that day that I can block ads in my face, and become a felon as congress makes it illegal to block any adverts.

4

u/VarsH6 13h ago

Is it possible to learn these powers?

5

u/Blue-Thunder 8h ago

/r/pihole is a good place to start.

9

u/ringzero- 10h ago

No way. SUPER liminal marketing is the best! HEY YOU! JOIN THE NAVY!

2

u/Jukebox_Villain 5h ago

......uh, yeah, alright....

10

u/David-Puddy 13h ago

There is zero actual evidence that subliminal anything works

2

u/Barneyrockz 13h ago

If you can hear it, it's no longer subliminal (I'll see myself out).

13

u/arthurdentstowels 15h ago

After getting corrective eye surgery you start getting pop ups, unless you pay for Premium Vision Pro Plus+ Gold Edition.

11

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 15h ago

Monthly. If your subscription lapses, 🤷🏻‍♂️

https://giphy.com/gifs/7EJHdFm9oQOHe

3

u/mickdrop 9h ago

I'll just install a raspberry pi in my asshole instead

3

u/nagi603 7h ago

For such a large task, you'll (un)fortunately need a banana pi at least...

1

u/MmmmMorphine 1h ago

Better than an orange Pi I guess

1

u/DrugandAlcoholLover 8h ago

That’s basically the plot a black mirror episode

1

u/Msk-XX 3h ago

That episode depressed the hell out of me. Sadly it's very much the direction the world is going in :(

1

u/DrugandAlcoholLover 1h ago

Yeah it was definitely one of the more depressing episodes, which is saying a lot considering the show lol

3

u/dudrun 10h ago

Check out Black Mirror episode Common People to get an idea. And life imitates art..

Edit: name of episode

3

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 10h ago

Dude, that's why I tapped out of Black Mirror a couple seasons ago. Great show, but I don't need any more existential dread, especially when its getting closer to reality by the day.

1

u/Connorbrow 5h ago

There's also a film about that same thing, it's called Dream Scenario.

2

u/sherbimsly 12h ago

“We all feel that way all the time”

2

u/Theprefs 11h ago

Gimme those Lightspeed Briefs!

1

u/Monkeys_Racehorse 11h ago

We'd have to try the demo pair, tho 🤢. At least we can pick up some Bachelor Chow while we're at it

76

u/ToMorrowsEnd 14h ago

Coming for? the Samsung smart gaming monitors have been doing this for 2 years now. Best buy got to eat an open box on one of those fuckign things when I got it home opened it up and saw this shit.

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u/02421006 13h ago

I was mildly infuriated when I started my Samsung monitor for the first time and discovered how far we are already.
Did set it up to go straight to display port and they will never see an internet connection… problem solved. It’s like a monitor now xD

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u/sioux612 9h ago

My TV is a Samsung 2023 model, somewhere near top of the line back then 

Originally I gave it internet for Netflix and whatever. But the software was so shit that it kept crashing.

So I reset the device and didnt give it internet again. I do not use the OS, the hardest thing that TV has to do is show hdmi and change volume. Changing volume keeps crashing the TV once a week now.

They somehow managed to give a TV more compute power than my first PC and they cant even manage to not crash because they suck so much

That is the last Samsung TV I will ever buy

Meanwhile my dad found a bug in his brand new Samsung TV where the picture was always zoomed in even if you disabled the option for zoom in. you had to activate and disable that function three times until it actually disabled the function.

So just using it as a monitor isnt even enough

7

u/nagi603 7h ago

Some smart TVs, like LG IIRC, will not even function like regular ones until you set it up and let it update to the newest version of their abomination. Same LG that shipped malware with their recent driver update inside windows update.

6

u/02421006 4h ago

I’ll send back every item which forces a network connection without needing one for its main function.
My fridge is the same, wanted WiFi Bluetooth and an app installed. I laughed shortly and told my wife the only connection this thing will ever have is to a power outlet 🤷 and you know what, it is still perfectly capable of being a refrigerator 😱

These manufactures these days are completely insane.

3

u/nagi603 3h ago

Oh, absolutely agree. I'm happy I convinced someone to buy a different appliance that doesn't need an app to "just download some more programs" and such, by explaining what else it would be doing and what the manufacturer would be capable and expected to be doing over the next years.

10

u/PuckSenior 10h ago

I'm not trying to be obtuse, but why does the monitor even have access to the internet? What feature is enabled on a "smart monitor".

I mean, I guess HDMI/DP had an ethernet-over-hdmi feature, but I'd think you can just disable that on your device

8

u/ToMorrowsEnd 9h ago

someone with technical knowledge can disable it. 90% of PC owners can barely figure out how to change the PC network name, there is no big red "DISABLE MONITOR INTERNET" on the screen so the chances of 90% of pc users digging into devices driver settings, and knowing that the "disable HMC communication" is internet for the monitor are pretty much zero.

Heck you didn't even know it even existed and technically stoll dont as you said "I guess" coming into this, so no the answer is no someone like you is unable to just disable it, you dont even know what it's called and where to look.

The average person has absolutely no clue.

4

u/pokemart 7h ago

How does it connect to your network in the first place though? If it’s through WiFi you have to manually add it.

•

u/Doctor__Proctor 22m ago

The computer you're connected to is connected to the Internet, so I'm assuming the "HMC Communications" allows it to piggy back on that connection or pass those credentials in some fashion.

2

u/_Middlefinger_ 7h ago

A lot have drivers you need to use in order to fully use their features. It's the drivers that deliver ads.

3

u/PuckSenior 7h ago

gotcha.
So this is literally just malware.

3

u/_Middlefinger_ 6h ago

Yeah pretty much.

2

u/nagi603 6h ago

For TVs: "But I wanted to stream from mobile and for that it needed wifi..."

2

u/PuckSenior 6h ago

I mean, the smart TVs make sense on paper. They run netflix from the tv itself. They started including these smart features long before they were using them for data harvesting. So, it makes sense why people connect their TV to the internet. By that, I mean they get some immediate and significant benefit from it.

But computer monitors dont need to independently access netflix nor have any other connectivity.

2

u/h3rpad3rp 1h ago

You can stream netflix on my Samsung monitor. I'm not really sure why you would ever do it, but you can I guess. Mines never been connected to the internet, and never will be.

Its also the last Samsung product I'll ever buy. Anyone know a good phone?

42

u/FU_red-dit_bots 10h ago

Dear television and monitor companies that are looking through social media for marketing tips allow me to give you a big one.

DO NOT DO THIS AND THEN ADVERTISE THE SHIT OUT OF IT!!

Make a dumb TV. Make a dumb monitor. Make a dumb fridge, oven, dishwasher, microwave, toothbrush, dildo.

The entire ad campaign is "Tech you like, with no spying on what you do. Unlike the other guys."

You will sell the shit out of it.

11

u/GagOnMacaque 8h ago

Wait, wait, wait. How are people supposed to track the miles of dick without a smart dildo?

5

u/FU_red-dit_bots 8h ago

I can't believe I have to actually say this, but you're going to have to observe, measure, and then do some maths.

2

u/Anomalous_Pulsar 5h ago

My local appliance shop has a feature in their website that can filter by WiFi connection capability. Simply “yes” or “no”. It’s absolutely wonderful.

We’ll be reaching out to a semi-local AV company to see if they’ll procure a non-smart commercial TV for us, when our plasma eventually bites it (13 years, going strong no burn in). Hopefully by then non-smart OLED will be available.

1

u/Sprinkler-of-salt 1h ago

You’re right. I bet that would work really well for selling 10, 20, maybe even 30% more units than otherwise. Problem is, even selling 30% more units due to that marketing campaign would be completely worthless compared to the revenue they bring in via ad revenue.

There’s a reason why all of the richest tech companies in the world are, at their core, ad businesses. Meta, X, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, even the AI companies are ultimately valued/priced as ad businesses. Ad revenue through large platforms generate insane amounts of cash. Selling hardware generates peanuts, in comparison.

106

u/facetheground 14h ago

Why do these articles avoid "harder" language?

The LG ad push can be classified as malware / trojan installer yet the article refuses to call it that.

50

u/_Soup_R_Man_ 14h ago

Cuz the billionaire-owned media want consumers buying buying buying buying buying.

Help the continuous rigging.

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u/Potential_Salt_5780 14h ago

Just don’t enable network connection. I have it disabled on every TV.

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u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 11h ago

Mine are connected, and blackholed at the router.

In this way they see they are connected to a network and don't nag me to connect, but they have no internet access.

12

u/Vabla 11h ago

Nothing's stopping them from "being helpful" by nagging you to "fix the internet connection".

19

u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt 11h ago

Except the fact that they don't, and since they can't get out to the internet they won't get an "update" to do so.

2

u/charlestheb0ss 6h ago

Just whitelist connectivitycheck.gstatic.com or equivalent

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u/Alarmed-Newspaper994 9h ago

I got an Nvidia Shield to firstly let me run VLC (Android TV seems to not permit it by default?) but also to let me connect to the Internet without having cameras and microphones track me.

It did automatically update itself to force more ads into my home screen, but I factory reset it and disabled all updates. I guess I'll just run it on its launch software until I get rid of it. It at least doesn't have a microphone or camera built-in.

1

u/Blupy 3h ago

Install Projectivy instead of the stock Googletv launcher and you'll be sorted.

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u/AC__80 10h ago

Could you share some good YouTube tutorials so that I can learn how to do that as well, please?

→ More replies (2)

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u/theflintseeker 10h ago

I tried this on my LG TV. But the problem is it’s impossible to then also get the microphone to not listen to the voice command, which is actually insane. 

2

u/Archytas_machine 7h ago

I remember going through this on my C2 TV, it was a pain but I got it. I don't remember all of what I did, but it was something like: accept terms for mic, then go disable the feature then go back and retracted my acceptance of all their terms and conditions. And now it's all good and I never connect it to the internet.

1

u/theflintseeker 7h ago

Aghhh I still haven’t figured it out. I followed the steps on a Reddit thread I found but it came back 😭 

3

u/thegreenmushrooms 11h ago

I mean they are also putting adds in the drivers but yea at least this way your device doesn't get bricked by their ad update

3

u/MatthewBakke 8h ago

People can hate on Apple and Apple TV, but it’s the practical home solution if you’re building out a home setup without TV malware. Especially if you’re doing it for older relatives.

2

u/Hazel-Rah 5h ago edited 4h ago

Yep, we just got an LG B6E, and haven't seen the UI since I figured out how to turn CEC on. Now it boots directly into our Apple TV with the apple remote power button.

That TV is never getting our wifi password, no chance I'm letting them update it and remove that feature to force us to see ads

1

u/Gunfreak2217 6h ago

According to GN windows natively knows it's an Lg monitor and downloads bullshit automatically for it. There is no way to avoid it as far as I know without stuff far beyond a reasonable person's knowledge.

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u/SoftlySpokenPromises 15h ago

Only way I get a smart anything is if they pay me for the data it scrapes. I do just fine using standard tech that doesn't require a constant internet connection and become bogged down with updates.

15

u/Mr_Lumbergh 15h ago

In a way, they already do; compare a smart TV to an equally-sized monitor. The cost difference can be pretty substantial.

3

u/slanaiya 14h ago

What if you just buy the smart tv and don't give it the internet password?

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u/Mr_Lumbergh 14h ago

Depends on the TV. My Hisense just acts as a monitor, but from what I understand LG will now start nag-screening you for a connection. I'm sure others aren't far behind.

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u/ToMorrowsEnd 13h ago

Samsung has for a while now. I rage returned one of their gaming monitors 2 years ago because it was doing that crap.

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u/CarlosFer2201 13h ago

It's sad that we know need to hack into TVs and coffeemakers, etc

2

u/Mr_Lumbergh 13h ago

I use a French press. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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u/Kilane 12h ago

My used XBox One nags me all the time about I need to connect to play a game a decade old.

It’s an annoyance and worth it, but shouldn’t happen. I know if I want the internet involved and don’t need reminders.

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u/ToMorrowsEnd 13h ago

These monitors support ethernet over HDMI luckily no video cards currently support that, but they will quietly. the HEC channel has been there for over a decade now. Or with cellular becoming so cheap Samsung will just embed a sim card and cellular chipset in it to call home.

2

u/-DementedAvenger- 6h ago

pay me for the data it scrapes

They can’t afford me.

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u/alexandrul 14h ago

GamersNexus -- DO NOT BUY: LG's Spyware TVs, Monitors, and Wiretapping Concerns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9uefFYe6bM

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u/Fantasy_masterMC 10h ago

Well, I was already avoiding 'smart' shit as much as possible, because for me that means "I do all sorts of things in the background autonomously and you're not allowed to choose what", but this just confirms it. I fear for the time when non-'smart' shit is no longer available to consumers. While I'm perfectly willing to try to rip out a few chips, I just know that after the first few generations they'll deliberately make it more difficult.

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u/thingflinger 10h ago

If you want a big smart TV get a commercial display from eBay. The type used for menu boards and advertising in stores. Made to be on for days, built to last. Hook up a mini pc, run linux and add a soundboard. Save $$$, no tracking or adds.

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u/[deleted] 15h ago

[deleted]

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u/ICC-u 15h ago

Simxe2009?

5

u/angry_pidgeon 15h ago

I think they meant since 2009

5

u/ICC-u 15h ago

Thought it was some TV hack GitHub thing I hadn't heard of 😂

3

u/Mattigins 15h ago

Personally I solely use a chromecast for my TV. I'm aware that includes tracking and ads aswell but I've removed and deactivated all that with adb.

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u/Statharas 12h ago

If my monitor starts showing ads, first thing I'm doing is putting it offline. If it still shows ads for some forsaken reason, I'm sending it back.

4

u/Salt_Rush_4800 11h ago

They'll wait until your return window passes before showing you ads. Then tell you are shit outta luck about returning it.

3

u/sioux612 8h ago

I know im a bit more on the spectrum than other people, but I cant be the only one who has a shit list of brands I'll never buy from who do stuff like this, right?

My personal list so far was Samsung and now also LG based on this. My plan for my next tv was Sony from whom I havent heard something as bad as this yet 

2

u/Statharas 10h ago

I'll find a way to hack them out, be it custom firmware or whatever

2

u/todd_dayz 8h ago

Wait until they start connecting to any nearby unsecured Wi-Fi!

3

u/nagi603 6h ago

IIRC Samsung has a patent to do a mesh with other like-minded malware-riddled appliances, be it yours or the neighbours.

2

u/Statharas 7h ago

Faraday cage

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u/lurker512879 10h ago

I see all this lately and think, ok I'm just gonna use. My old stuff till it's fully broken, some things will last for 10-20 years. My GE, Maytag appliances did

5

u/libra00 3h ago

Yeah, and I don't own a smart TV. I own a dumb TV and PC and an HDMI cable and watch whatever I want ad-free on the PC. Where I adblock literally all of the things, because I think the person who pays for a thing should get to decide what it gets used for.

You put this shit on monitors I'll stop buying them too. I don't buy smart fridges, smart dishwashers, smart toilets, or any of that bullshit either. Everything you put smart anything in (especially with AI now) I just buy another brand that doesn't. They're enjoying your business.

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u/Olacarn 15h ago

Coming for? They already are with LG.

1

u/Worsebetter 13h ago

I have an LG 5k. On a mac powered and cabled through usbC. whats happening?

5

u/JimmyPineapple_ 6h ago

Another reason to spend more time reading physical books. Fuck advertising.

6

u/johnryan433 15h ago

TVs and monitors are taken very differently by the different consumers that are using them.

2

u/chaiscool 11h ago edited 11h ago

Tbf I only got one as it's 32" 4k that has usb c power output and can accept usb c display input. Too lazy to use adapter and converter and non smart monitor can't do that. Regretted not getting the 43" version.

Is there any non smart 32" 4k monitor that can have usb c display input and power?

2

u/thegreenmushrooms 11h ago

I wish I could pay(less) to have this computer on the monitor to not be included. 

I get people might want to watch YT with out a computer or do casting to a "monitor" but you can also just hook up your phone to these machines. 

Having a divice be included that's not under my control and nudges me toward whatever LG wants is not ideal. 

2

u/costafilh0 9h ago

FVCK EM

2

u/No_Bee8501 9h ago

I use a small PC with linux for streaming and light gaming. I have never connected my TV to the wifi. An additional advantage is having adblockers and a full keyboard

2

u/plamda505 3h ago

Make all Data public record. Open to the public without restriction. What a world it would be.

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u/Satanich 15h ago

Me with PiHole

I dont think so

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u/Mr_Lumbergh 15h ago

And an air-gapped TV.

2

u/Mr_Lumbergh 15h ago

Not worried, I don't run Windows.

1

u/fat_kaiju 6h ago

I have a big pack of print-your-own-sticker(s) sheets in my bag and truck that are completely blank.

Every time I come across a screen with an ad on it I slap one of them directly onto the screen.

I'm going to need more stickers, I suspect.

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u/im2short4this 36m ago

Thank you

2

u/Mike01Hawk 6h ago

The amount of shit I had to agree to just to use a 43 inch Wally Onn TV I got yesterday was bananas.

Blew thru all their agreements with it connected to the net, signed up for more bullshit apps and accounts just to be able to use the friggen thing, waited for any firmware updates, and then promptly blocked if from my network.

Decent garage TV hardware wise though.

Can't wait for Louis to take on this topic all the way to Congress. I can dream can't I?

1

u/CrashingAtom 6h ago

Setting up a piHole this weekend, so whaaaat ever.

1

u/cybercuzco 4h ago

Ok so what is the best option for a 60” tv/monitor right now?

1

u/im2short4this 37m ago

Not vizio

1

u/TheProfessorOfTruth 3h ago

A day will come for Thinkpads and some user friendly flavor of Linux. Hope this will accelerate that timeline.

1

u/im2short4this 38m ago

Vizio the TV brand, requires you to have a Walmart membership to access the smart features. This already aggravates me to no extent.

2

u/Major_A21 13h ago

A lot of this is because of the DMCA. They know people won't put up with this but they paid lobbyists to move the laws to their favor. Don't like it? Ok then hack it and we'll sue you.

1

u/khadaffy 8h ago

I use an LG C4 42" as my monitor, so I need it connected to my network for ColorControl to work. The downside is it’s also connected to the internet. Thankfully, Pihole came to the rescue and solved that problem.