Smart TVs ship with excessive pre-installed software that impacts performance and privacy. Android TV developer Mert Cobanov recently used AI agent Claude to debloat his four-year-old television, reporting significant speed improvements. He disabled unused animations, removed the ad-heavy Google TV home screen, and installed the open-source FLauncher app.

While Cobanov's TV now runs smoother, tech experts warn against replicating the method. Giving AI full system access carries substantial risks, including potential instability and the disabling of critical system components. AI agents are prone to errors and may not recognize the long-term consequences of their actions, such as blocking future software updates.

Furthermore, complex prompts can be exploited by malicious actors. Manual debloating remains the safer alternative. Users can clear caches to free memory or download FLauncher directly from the Google Play Store to replace the default ad-filled interface.

Numerous other apps available in app stores can streamline the home screen without requiring risky AI intervention. As AI capabilities evolve, maintaining human oversight during system modifications ensures device stability and security.