It's the last of the passive screens in your house - the one that sits in the lounge room demanding minimal interactivity – you just need to sit and watch. But that's about to change as Australia is on the cusp of a bold new era in television with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) TVs.
The technological advancement promises a superior viewing experience but, of course, raises a raft of concerns from experts.
Who is watching who?
Alongside the potential for copyright violations and, indeed, the need to verify the truth of content produced for the televisions by AI, there is concern about the need for transparency about what the television might be absorbing, Big Brother-style, as it sits in your house.
A 2023 study revealed that, among common internet-connected devices, smart TVs are the most susceptible to privacy breaches.
RMIT’s Smart TV Lab says these televisions frequently collect user data, which manufacturers may sell for profit.
Dr Alexa Scarlata from RMIT’s Smart TV Lab noted the economic shift in TV pricing, saying that more attractive pricing can be attributed to post-purchase monetisation by manufacturers. In other words, the TV is no longer the product – you are.
Alas, it seems most consumers are fairly resigned to their personal data being leached out of them by one of the multitude of devices already in their homes and are prepared to take the risk for the promise of enhanced image quality.
Samsung (KS:005930) hopes to connect the data
South Korean manufacturer Samsung is at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution, recently unveiling its 2024 lineup, including the latest OLED and AI-powered televisions.
The in-built AI features enhance everything from picture quality to energy efficiency. The new QN900D model, an 8K Neo QLED TV, showcases the upgrade with its advanced NQ8 AI Gen3 processor and sophisticated upscaling capabilities.
The range extends beyond high-end models, with Samsung offering a variety of 4K TVs, including the QN90D Neo QLED and the S95D OLED TV, boasting improved brightness and anti-glare technology.
The South Korean communications giant’s strategy extends to integrating televisions into the broader smart home ecosystem, leveraging its Tizen OS to connect with a universe of smart devices.
With the promise of energy-efficient solutions and a smarter, interconnected home environment, Samsung's latest offerings are poised to change the role of televisions in Australian homes but the excitement should be tempered with concerns about data privacy and the need for consumers to navigate this new landscape with caution.