Some developers are using AI coding tools to remove advertising, tracking and unwanted software from smart TVs. TechRadar reports that several projects have appeared in recent weeks.
One project, dumbtv, says it removes ads, telemetry, experiments, Alexa and apps chosen by the user from a range of smart TVs. Another, cleanyourtv, targets Android TV and Google TV. It says it can remove preinstalled software over Wi-Fi and replace the home screen with a cleaner launcher. Both projects say their changes are reversible and do not alter the TV’s root directory.
Some users have also turned to AI agents for tailored instructions. Ryan Doyle wrote on X that they found information for their TV and asked Claude Code for help. Doyle said the agent guided them through removing ads and unwanted software and improving a slow interface.
A more extensive setup from a developer known as Cretezy aims to replace parts of Android TV. It includes an ad-free launch screen, a YouTube substitute, a media manager and a tool to remap remote-control buttons. Cretezy says an AI agent can configure the setup for a specific TV.
These projects build on earlier efforts to modify televisions, but AI tools can help developers create targeted workarounds in hours rather than days or weeks. The report links their growing appeal to frustration with streaming services’ rising prices and increasingly intrusive ads, as well as concerns about how technology companies track and monetize customers.
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