{
  "id": 15795936,
  "title": "People are using AI to turn their smart TVs into dumb TVs — and you might want to do the same",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/people-are-using-ai-to-turn-their-smart-tvs-into-dumb-tvs-and-you",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-20T19:42:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/people-are-using-ai-to-turn-their-smart-tvs-into-dumb-tvs-and-you-might-want-to-do-the-same"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Smart TVs have long been a source of frustration for users due to the clutter of apps, ads, and updates. However, a new trend is emerging where people are using AI to simplify their smart TV experiences. By leveraging open-source tools like Anthropic's Claude Code, developers have created methods to remove unwanted apps, sponsored ads, and create more responsive interfaces.\n\nTwo popular tools have emerged in this space: \"dumbtv\" and \"cleanyourtv\". dumbtv aims to strip a smart TV down to its core functions, eliminating ads, unwanted bloatware, and tracking features. On the other hand, cleanyourtv focuses on removing visual clutter and replacing the home screen with a clean, Apple TV-like interface.\n\nWhile many users have had success with these tools, there have been some cautionary tales of smart TVs being \"bricked\" or rendered unusable during the process. Communities on platforms like Reddit are sharing their experiences and success rates of implementing these AI-driven solutions.\n\nUltimately, for those who find smart TV screens overwhelming and intrusive, the option to \"dumb\" down their devices using these AI tools may provide a more streamlined and enjoyable viewing experience.",
  "summary": "With smart TV screens being filled with the sort of content users don’t even want or need, those same users are using AI to declutter them for good.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "People are using AI vibe coding to remove ads and trackers from smart TVs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/people-are-using-ai-vibe-coding-to-remove-ads-and-trackers-from-smart",
        "published": "2026-10-20T22:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}