LG Adds Copilot to TVs without Fanfare
In a move that slipped past many observers, LG has quietly integrated Microsoft Copilot into its line of smart televisions. The addition marks another step in Microsoft’s broader strategy to place Copilot, its AI-powered assistant, into a range of devices beyond PCs and tablets. For consumers, this raises questions about how the AI will function on a TV, what data may be collected, and how it will impact everyday TV watching.
The news comes amid Microsoft’s aggressive push to normalize Copilot across devices. While Copilot has already found a home in certain laptop models and companion apps, its appearance on LG’s TVs signals a deeper commitment to embedding AI into the living room experience. LG, for its part, has built a reputation for smart TV platforms that prioritize voice control, on-screen assistants, and seamless streaming. The pairing with Copilot could broaden those capabilities in unexpected ways.
What Copilot on a TV Might Offer
Copilot on a television could take several forms. Expect voice-activated help for quick searches, smart home device coordination, and context-aware recommendations while you watch. For example, you might ask Copilot to pull up background information about a show, compare actors in a scene, or switch to a related streaming service without leaving your current app. The AI assistant could also integrate with LG’s own ecosystem, such as its webOS platform, to streamline tasks and control other connected devices in your home theater layout.
However, the practical utility of Copilot on a TV will depend on how deeply the integration is implemented. If Copilot operates primarily as a passive information aid—providing quick facts or suggestions during commercial breaks—it could feel like a convenient add-on. If, on the other hand, Copilot can initiate actions across smart devices, manage schedules, or personalize recommendations based on viewing habits, it could become a more central hub for entertainment and home automation.
Privacy and Data Considerations
With any AI integration, privacy is a major concern. Copilot processes data to generate responses, and when integrated into smart TVs, it may have access to viewing history, voice samples, and possibly sensitive information about user preferences. Consumers should look for clear disclosures on what data is collected, how long it’s stored, who has access, and what controls exist to limit or delete it. LG and Microsoft are expected to provide settings that let users opt in or out of certain data collection and to toggle Copilot’s listening features when not needed.
Smart TV AI features also raise questions about incidental listening in shared living spaces. Manufacturers commonly offer mute switches or privacy indicators, but the effectiveness of these protections depends on transparent policies and user-friendly controls. For households with children or multiple viewers, understanding what Copilot can access and how it uses that data becomes crucial to a safe viewing environment.
Impact on the TV Industry
The move signals a broader industry trend: AI is not just a laptop or phone feature; it’s becoming a standard aspect of living-room tech. If Copilot on LG TVs proves its value, other manufacturers may follow suit with similar AI integrations. This could intensify competition around AI capabilities for smart TVs, pushing brands to prioritize natural language processing quality, cross-device synchronization, and robust privacy controls.
For consumers, the pragmatic takeaway is to monitor how these integrations affect everyday use. Copilot could streamline after-dinner movie searches, help with recipe videos, or assist in setting up a movie night with synchronized lights and audio. Yet, it also means more voice interactions and data flow through home networks, which underscored the importance of secure networks and up-to-date firmware.
How to Protect Yourself
To stay in control, users should explore the TV’s privacy settings early after update or purchase. Disable or limit voice activation when not needed, review data-sharing options, and consider using guest profiles for household members who don’t require personalized AI assistance. Regular software updates from LG and Microsoft will likely include privacy improvements and bug fixes, so keeping devices current is a prudent habit.
Bottom Line
LG’s unilateral addition of Copilot to its smart TVs is a landmark development in consumer tech. It blends the convenience of AI with the home entertainment experience, potentially enhancing everything from content discovery to smart-home management. As with any AI feature, the key to benefiting from Copilot on your TV lies in understanding what data is used, how it’s controlled, and how it integrates with your existing home ecosystem.
