Starting May 1st, LG will officially remove Google Assistant from its smart TVs, a significant change that could disrupt the smart home setup for many users. This development follows LG’s recent announcement that future updates will incorporate Microsoft’s Copilot.
While Copilot promises certain enhancements, this transition comes at the cost of losing Google Assistant, a feature many consumers have come to rely on. As reported, LG smart TV owners will encounter a “Google Assistant Service Termination” message, confirming the discontinuation of the service.
Although voice controls through the microphone will still work with LG’s own voice assistant, the inability to use Google Assistant poses challenges for those who depend on it to control various smart home devices. At this time, LG has not provided specific information on how this change will impact existing users.
The removal of a feature that was originally included when consumers purchased their televisions raises concerns. Many customers likely chose LG TVs for their compatibility with Google Assistant and seamless integration into their smart home environments.
While some may appreciate the added value of Microsoft Copilot, it seems unreasonable to take away an established feature rather than reserve changes for new purchases. Forcing users to rework their entire entertainment systems due to this shift can be frustrating, particularly when alternatives like Gemini could be integrated when necessary.
This situation reveals a broader issue facing technology companies: updates can enhance products but can also remove existing features, leading to dissatisfaction among users. Smart TVs, unlike smartphones, offer limited customization and leave consumers dependent on manufacturer updates.
As the deadline approaches, it is hoped that LG will implement a workaround to ease the transition, possibly through its ThinQ app, allowing some level of continued Google Assistant functionality. Until then, owners of LG smart TVs are left anxiously awaiting solutions.
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