If you own an LG smart TV in Nairobi, your living room likely just hosted a digital housewarming for a guest you didn't invite—and one that refuses to leave.

Following a recent software update, users across the globe are reporting that Microsoft’s Copilot AI has been forcibly installed on their devices. For Kenyan households where the television remains the central hearth of entertainment, this move represents a significant shift in how manufacturers are asserting control over hardware long after the point of sale.

The Unwanted Guest

The issue came to light when vigilant users took to Reddit to flag the sudden appearance of the Copilot icon on their home screens. According to reports verified by Tom’s Hardware, the application arrived piggybacked on an update to webOS, the Linux-based operating system that powers LG’s entertainment hubs.

The frustration for users isn't just the presence of the app; it is the lack of agency. Unlike Netflix or YouTube, which can be rearranged or removed to declutter the interface, Copilot appears to be designated as a "system app."

Why this matters for the user:

• Storage Space: Smart TVs often have limited storage; undeletable apps consume precious space needed for local apps like Showmax or citizen reporting tools.
• Interface Clutter: Forced icons disrupt the user experience, prioritizing manufacturer partnerships over user preference.
• Data Privacy: While AI promises convenience, its permanent presence raises valid concerns about what data is being processed in the background.

The 'AI' Hard Sell

This aggressive integration aligns with a strategy LG outlined earlier this year. During CES 2025, the South Korean tech giant explicitly positioned itself as an "AI" company. They introduced features branded as "AI Picture Pro" and even rebranded their controller as an "AI Remote."

LG’s stated goal, according to their press materials, is to help users "efficiently find and organize complex information." However, critics argue that a television is primarily a passive consumption device, not a productivity dashboard. As The Verge noted, the latest models are already saturated with AI branding, suggesting this is less about utility and more about inflating engagement metrics for investors.

LG’s user manual seemingly confirms the permanence of the app, stating: "You cannot delete the preinstalled apps or system apps on your Smart TV, so the trash bin does not appear when you select these apps."

A Industry-Wide Trend

LG is not acting in isolation. The race to monetize the "smart" in smart TVs is heating up across the board:

• Samsung: Has announced support for Microsoft Copilot and is reportedly integrating the Perplexity search engine, though reports suggest their implementation may be less intrusive.
• TCL: New models are shipping with Google’s Gemini AI baked into the system.

While Gizmodo reached out to LG for a statement regarding the backlash, the company had not responded by the time of publication. For now, Kenyan owners of these premium displays must accept that their screens are no longer just for viewing content—they are becoming billboards for the global AI arms race.