The smart feature is not just a part of the package they paid for, it might even be the deciding factor for why they choose one TV over another.

That makes no sense when the best experience is delivered by an external device that you can just plug into any TV.

So they should invest another $50 at least (or more like $200 if they go Apple TV) for another device just to do the things the TV already does.

They can spend $20 and get a device that importantly does not do the things their TV does. Like showing you ads, collecting data, and (in this case) cramming AI bullshit down your throat.

Or it’s one of those dongle thingies which you can tuck away, but still has a cable because it requires more power than the USB on the TV provides.

Okay? Attach it to the other power cable.

And if you tuck it away, the TV blocks the wifi, so it doesn’t work properly.

What? No it doesn’t…

And you would probably need another remote to use it, which isn’t great (sure you can probably turn the TV on and off with HDMI-CEC, but I’ve had nothing but issues with that).

I don’t know what issues you have but I’ve never heard of them or experienced them. Usually the third-party remotes are better than the factory ones as well, and smaller to boot.

And if they are a little bit smarter, they might ask: “So if I buy one of those Google or Apple devices, how certain are you they won’t get an update and be shit?” And I would have to honestly say, you really don’t know.

Then you get a different, less-shit device and plug it in. You cannot unplug the bullshit AI machine from inside your TV.

I’ve seen Google add a billion ads to their Google TV stuff

Just install a different launcher. No ads to speak of.

So basically, it’s a win-only scenario. You skip the bullshit, ensure the functionality and longevity of your TV, and get a better experience in the process.