Developers Try to Remove Ads from Smart TVs with AI

Developers are trying to use artificial intelligence tools to remove ads and unwanted apps from smart TVs. The methods being developed speed up app menus, simplify home screens, and hide sponsored content. They can also disable tracking features, leaving only apps and HDMI inputs on the TV.

The “dumbtv” project was created to leave only apps and HDMI inputs on a TV. Meanwhile, “cleanyourtv” removes unwanted software from “Android TV” and “Google TV” devices over a Wi-Fi connection. The installed home screen resembles “Apple TV.” The change does not require full system access, and factory settings can be restored at any time.

Smart TVs have an automatic content recognition technology known as ACR. The system examines screenshots, audio clips, and other digital traces to determine what is being watched on the TV. The collected data can be used to display personalized ads. Viewing habits may also be shared with advertisers.

The creator of the “cleanyourtv” project used the AI-powered “Claude Code” tool to build a simple home screen after growing tired of the ads on his parents’ TV. After he shared the prompt he had written on “GitHub,” several thousand people tried the same method on their own devices within 2 days. Tests were conducted on “Xiaomi,” “TCL,” “Sony,” “Fire TV,” and “LG” models, as well as several projectors. The “dumbtv” project was also tested on “Sony,” “TCL,” “Philips,” “Hisense,” “Xiaomi,” and “Shield” devices.

Some users removed ads, sped up sluggish menus, and changed the screensaver by entering their TV model into “Claude Code.” In another test, 25 unwanted apps were disabled. A standard 192 MB menu was also replaced with a custom 83 MB version.

However, these methods are not yet fully ready. Artificial intelligence could mistakenly disable essential system software and render the TV unusable. Those who do not want to take the risk can choose ready-made home screen apps such as “ATV Launcher,” “Projectivity Launcher,” and “FLauncher.”