Developers use Claude to strip ads and bloatware from smart TVs
Developers have posted open‑source projects such as “dumbtv” and “cleanyourtv” on GitHub that let users remove sponsored ads, tracking, and unnecessary apps from Android‑based smart TVs. The solutions work over Wi‑Fi and do not require rooting; they replace the default launcher with a minimal interface. The creator of cleanyourtv, Gathin T., says he used Claude Code to generate a prompt that…
Key points
- GitHub projects “dumbtv” and “cleanyourtv” let users remove ads and bloatware from Android/Google TV without rooting
- Claude Code guided users to replace a 192 MB stock launcher with an 83 MB custom one and disable 25 bloat apps
- Some users experienced errors or bricked devices, prompting warnings about AI‑driven hacks
Users have shared concrete results: Mihir Gupta reported disabling 25 bloat apps and shrinking the stock launcher from 192 MB to an 83 MB custom one in a single afternoon with Claude. Ryan Doyle posted a video showing a faster, ad‑free UI after Claude guided the hack. However, some participants warned that Claude sometimes fails to understand simple “hack my TV” requests, leading to broken packages or even bricking a device. Existing launcher apps such as ATV Launcher, Projectivity Launcher, and FLauncher remain alternatives for those hesitant to rely on AI‑driven hacks.
People are using AI to make their smart TVs dumb again
TechCrunch AI · 19 October 2026
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