Unexpected Guest: Microsoft Copilot Moves Into LG TVs

Owners of certain LG smart TVs are getting an unwelcome surprise when they power on their devices these days. Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot has begun appearing on television screens without warning - and worse yet, users can't seem to get rid of it.

The Mystery of the Uninvited App

The issue first came to light when Reddit users began reporting sightings of the Copilot app on their LG televisions. Technology outlet Engadget verified these claims, finding the persistent software on both 2022 LG OLED and 2023 UA8000 models.

What's particularly troubling is that while the app can be hidden from view, there appears to be no way to completely remove it from affected devices. Curiously, not all LG TV owners are experiencing this phenomenon - an Engadget staffer with a 2022 OLED model found their television untouched.

Privacy Settings May Hold the Key

The inconsistent rollout suggests Copilot's appearance might depend on specific privacy permissions set by users. This revelation raises important questions about how much control consumers truly have over their smart devices.

"It feels like someone moved furniture into my living room without asking," complained one Reddit user who discovered Copilot on their television overnight.

Broken Promises?

The situation becomes more puzzling considering LG's announcements at CES 2025. While the company did promise AI-powered search functionality coming to future TV models through a partnership with Microsoft, there was no mention of forced installations or permanent integrations.

Technology analysts warn this could represent a dangerous precedent:

• Forced software installations erode consumer trust
• Permanent apps limit device customization options
• Privacy concerns multiply when users can't control what runs on their devices

As smart TVs become increasingly sophisticated - and connected - incidents like this highlight growing tensions between convenience and consumer autonomy in the Internet of Things era.