Ars Technica1d ago
Newly purchased Vizio TVs now require Walmart accounts to use smart features
Walmart wants to connect what people stream "directly with retail interaction."
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03/newly-purchased-vizio-tvs-now-require-walmart-accounts-to-use-smart-features/?utm_brand=arstechnica&utm_social-type=owned&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social
Show threadHugh Young-Bish1d ago
@arstechnica Is it possible/legal to hack those systems? It should be. I remember buying a punch to turn single-sided 5 1/2" floppy discs into double-sided.
Show threadCalcedony Prime
@hugh @arstechnica There's really not a lot to these TVs. I'm surprised there isn't a bigger Custom Firmware community stripping out the anti-features.
Mar 25 at 12:06amWeb
Show threadMeaningfulBits1d ago
@mrencyclopedia @hugh @arstechnica these TV are sold at a loss and they make up the money by selling ads and data. I have a Vizio that requires Internet to watch ota channels. They try to brand it as if THEY are giving you free channels.