Microsoft Copilot becomes an unremovable fixture on webOS home screens following update, joining industry trend of cramming AI down users’ throats.
LG smart TV owners are discovering an unwelcome addition to their home screens—a preinstalled Microsoft Copilot app that cannot be removed. The change follows a recent webOS update and reflects a broader industry trend of forcing AI tools on users.
The Unwelcome Update
Following the update, the Copilot app appeared automatically on devices, residing alongside essential streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. Users quickly realized the application could not be deleted, as LG’s policy explicitly prohibits removal of preinstalled or system apps.
LG’s AI Ambitions
At CES 2025, LG branded itself as an “AI TV company,” introducing an “AI Remote” and promising that Copilot would help users “organize complex information.” The practical value of an AI assistant integrated into a television interface, however, remains questionable.
An Industry-Wide Push
LG isn’t alone in forcing AI onto users. TCL models come with Google’s Gemini built-in, Samsung is incorporating Perplexity search, and has announced Copilot support—though it may not occupy permanent home screen real estate.
Aggressive Branding and Features
LG’s commitment to AI extends beyond Copilot. New models feature “AI Picture Pro,” “AI Sound Pro,” and even a built-in chatbot, suggesting a corporate strategy focused more on marketing buzzwords than meaningful user experience improvements.
The forced inclusion of unremovable AI applications represents a clear disregard for user preference, turning personal devices into platforms for corporate experimentation. As manufacturers continue to prioritize growth metrics over consumer choice, users are left with increasingly cluttered and less controllable interfaces.
