Sick of smart TVs? Here are your best options

kept by eddie dec 15, 25

Ars Technica reviews options for 'dumb' TVs to avoid smart TV tracking and ads, recommending external devices like Apple TV or Pi-hole.

I didn't realize my LG TV was spying on me until I turned off Live Plus
LG's Live Plus feature uses automatic content recognition to analyze what's displayed on screen for targeted ads, but can be turned off via a setting.
also on Sceptre, Apple TV, Pi-hole, #privacy
The skeptic’s guide to humanoid robots going viral on the Internet - Ars Technica
Viral robot videos often rely on teleoperation, sped-up playback, and familiar training environments, misleading viewers about true autonomous capabilities.
also on Ars Technica, #user-experience
Inside Thinking Machines’ Interaction Models
Thinking Machines argues current turn-based AI voice systems have a scalability ceiling and proposes interaction models using time-aligned micro-turns and a two-model architecture for true real-time collaboration.
also on #streaming, #user-experience
25 Years of Big-City Gals Meeting Hometown Hunks on Hallmark
The article explains how Hallmark Channel’s 25‑year tradition of big‑city‑girl meets small‑town‑guy movies offers comforting Christmas‑in‑July escapism for stressed viewers.
also on #streaming
Weary of Data Brokers? California Site Offers One-Stop Opt Out for 500+ Services
California's DROP tool lets residents request deletion from over 500 data brokers in one go, but faces technical glitches and only works for state residents.
also on #consumer-tech, #privacy