I remember trying to buy a TV that does not have "smart" functionality a few years ago. It was a chore. Today it seems nigh-impossible.
And not just TVs: ovens; refrigerators; dishwashers — all have "smart" options. In fact, it seems that more and more the available non-smart models are only the simpler ones, less performant in ways that are not related to any smart functionality missing.
My non-smart TV was available only with lower resolutions than "smart" models of the same brand.
This really annoys me. I am too well aware of security implications of smart devices.
I do not want to have to manage regular software updates for whatever number of appliances I have at home, or risk somebody using them in a botnet (or worse).
And no, I don't trust their "disable WiFi" menu options either. Seen this setting get enabled without my consent too many times.
I *could* put them on a special VLAN, but 99% of people can't. That's a problem, and not just for them.
2/
@rysiek Even if Wi-Fi is enabled, smart TVs can't connect to the Internet unless someone actually keys in their Wi-Fi password, no?
UPC does something like that in Switzerland too. They allow the customer to enable/disable the feature: the incentive is that if you enable it, _you_ can use that wireless network on others' routers (there's no noticeable latency in flipping the setting, but I guess people usually don't want to bother flipping it back and forth whenever they travel).
https://www.upc.ch/en/support/internet/wi-free/
(to see that it's about using people's APs, look at the "will it affect my internet connection" question, to see that it's available-for-those-who-make-their-APs-available, look at the "how do I disable it" question)
@robryk do you have a link?
@ocdtrekkie