vidyesh2d ago

Newly purchased Vizio TVs now require Walmart accounts to use smart features

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/03/newly-purchased-vizio-tvs-now-require-walmart-accounts-to-use-smart-features/

Newly purchased Vizio TVs now require Walmart accounts to use smart features

Walmart wants to connect what people stream "directly with retail interaction."

Ars Technica
Show threadgiancarlostoro2d ago
I never connect my smart TVs to the network, I just plug in my Apple TV and move on. It's frustrating because it takes longer to turn these devices on than it should because of all the additional overhead I don't want or need. I wish someone would make a painless gadget to flash the software with dumber software that loads instantly.
Show threadjoering22d ago
Same here! none of my home Tvs, most LG and Samsung, have ever seen w Wifi password. Always putting firestick on it and call it a day. At least firestick I can unplug throw away, God only knows what updates TV does that I obviously cannot revert.
Show threadautoexec2d ago

> Always putting firestick on it and call it a day.

Aren't you just letting amazon collect and monetize your viewing habits while allowing them to push ads at you? Avoiding ads and data collection are the reasons I'd want to leave my TV offline in the first place.

Show threadtverbeure

Option A: use Amazon Prime Video to watch shows. Share your viewing habits with Walmart/Vizio and Amazon.

Option B: use Amazon Prime Video to watch shows. Share your viewing habits with Amazon.

Mar 26 at 4:18pmWeb
Show threadautoexec2d ago
Using a firestick means amazon collects data on what you watch regardless of the platform you view it on. Also ads.