Developers use Claude Code agent to strip ads and slim down smart TVs
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According to a TechCrunch report on October 20, 2026, several developers have started using AI coding tools like Claude Code to modify their smart TVs: by writing code to remove ads and preinstalled apps from the TV system and replacing the manufacturer's default launcher, making the TV cleaner. The related open-source projects dumbtv and cleanyourtv have been published on GitHub for other users to reference and use. This is currently the first report on the event, with no follow-up developments or manufacturer responses available.
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- TechCrunch · AIPeople are using AI to make their smart TVs dumb again
Several developers are using Claude Code and similar tools to hack their own smart TVs, removing ads and preinstalled apps and replacing launchers; the projects dumbtv and cleanyourtv have been published on GitHub.
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