A new trend in artificial intelligence is simplifying smart TVs to eliminate unnecessary features. Numerous developers have begun sharing methods for “vibe-coding” TVs, allowing users to remove ads, enhance app launch speeds, reimagine the home screen, and disable data tracking functionalities.
One prominent initiative, known as “dumbtv,” emphasizes that consumers should primarily have access to their apps and HDMI inputs without any disruptions from ads or unsolicited updates. The project outlines its vision on its platform, asserting that “Your TV should do what you paid for.”
Another project, called “cleanyourtv,” aims to remove bloatware from Android TV or Google TV devices via Wi-Fi, replacing the existing launcher with an Apple TV-like interface.
While the concept of modifying consumer electronics is not new, recent advancements in AI technology have made these solutions more accessible to the average user. This comes at a time when many smart TV users are frustrated with intrusive ads and constant tracking of their viewing habits.
Modern smart TVs utilize a technology known as Automatic Content Recognition (ACR), which can determine what content is being displayed through various digital identification methods.
Should these “dumb TV” hacks gain traction among consumers, they may significantly impact the smart TV advertising market, which currently profits by selling viewing data or displaying tailored advertisements.
Gathin T., the creator of cleanyourtv, shared how the idea to optimize the smart TV experience arose after he became frustrated with the ads on his parents’ television.
“With Claude Code’s assistance, I optimized their TV through Wi-Fi, creating a streamlined home screen featuring just the apps they use. After posting about it online, a couple of thousand people followed suit and adjusted their own TVs within two days,” the developer noted on a donation platform mentioned on the project’s site.
Notably, this method does not require rooting the TV, and users can revert to factory settings if they choose.
Conversely, the dumbtv project has been thoroughly tested on Fire TV Edition sets and multiple Android/Google TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, and Xiaomi. The process involves directing an AI program to the dumbtv repository.
While these solutions are still in development, users are actively experimenting with them across different TV models and suggesting improvements.
Furthermore, individuals can take initiative without relying on external resources. A viral post recently shared by Ryan Doyle revealed how he contacted Claude Code with his TV’s details, asking for assistance in modifying it. He documented the steps that allowed him to eliminate ads, enhance the interface’s responsiveness, and personalize settings.
Doyle showcased in a video how rapidly the modified interface functioned after implementing the changes suggested by the AI.
Motivated by the buzz surrounding “vibe-coded TVs,” another user, Mihir Gupta, tried the method himself, reporting success in disabling numerous bloatware applications and customizing his device’s display.
However, the outcomes of these hacks can vary. Some users found that they needed to provide more complex instructions instead of simple ones, while others experienced complications, like AI missteps that disabled essential features or interrupted the hacking process. A few users even commented on bricking their devices or encountering failures in the middle of modifications.
For those hesitant about employing AI for extensive modifications, there are existing applications available that allow customization of Android-based smart TVs, like ATV Launcher, Projectivity Launcher, and FLauncher.
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