LG smart TV owners are expressing frustration as Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot has been pre-installed on various models, with no option for complete removal. The app, which has appeared on televisions from 2022 and 2023, can be hidden from the home screen but not deleted, sparking widespread discontent among users who did not request the feature.

This mandatory integration follows LG’s earlier announcement at CES of Copilot’s inclusion in its upcoming TV lineup. However, the company did not disclose that the application would be forcibly installed on existing generations of sets, leading to a sense of unwanted intrusion for many consumers. The move mirrors previous instances of Microsoft pushing its software onto users without explicit consent.

The rollout of the unremovable Copilot app on LG televisions comes amid reports of declining user interest in Microsoft’s AI initiatives. A recent publication indicated that the company has significantly reduced growth targets for its AI efforts, including Copilot, citing a lack of substantial user demand. This suggests a disconnect between Microsoft’s expansionist strategy and consumer adoption.

While the ability to hide the application offers a partial solution, the inability to uninstall it entirely is a point of contention. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction on platforms like Reddit, with the subreddit r/mildlyinfuriating becoming a focal point for complaints. The situation draws parallels to past user backlash against Microsoft’s aggressive bundling of its Edge browser.

Critics argue that while offering AI tools is not inherently problematic, forcing their presence on users is a questionable practice. This latest development on LG devices raises concerns about user autonomy and the increasing trend of pre-installed software that cannot be easily removed. The lack of choice in managing applications on their own devices has become a significant irritant for many LG TV owners.

LG has not yet issued a detailed statement addressing the widespread user complaints regarding the unremovable Copilot app. The company’s silence on the matter further fuels speculation and frustration among its customer base, who feel their device experience is being dictated by software providers rather than their own preferences. The long-term implications for user trust and brand loyalty remain to be seen.

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Keywords: LG TV Copilot, unremovable AI app, Microsoft Copilot LG, smart TV AI integration, user complaints LG, mandatory software installation, AI chatbot on TVs, consumer tech frustration