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New Vizio televisions introduce a change that may not please users. To use the smart applications and features, a Walmart account will be required. This is another step towards a model in which televisions are no longer just hardware, but a platform for collecting data and displaying advertisements. For many, this may be a boundary they do not wish to cross.
Account required, but with no real benefits for the user
The new requirement primarily concerns newly purchased models, but there is a good chance it will be extended to additional devices. The problem is that a Walmart account provides no added features or convenience; its main purpose is to collect viewing data and link it to the user's shopping profile. This allows the company to better target advertisements and offers.
Smart TVs are increasingly resembling advertising platforms
Vizio has been changing its direction for several years now, and revenues from advertisements have begun to exceed the sales of the televisions themselves. This shows that the equipment is often sold at a lower price but "earns" later through the user. This trend is not limited to just one company; most Smart TV manufacturers are heading in a similar direction.
Televisions are ceasing to be neutral devices and are becoming part of the advertising ecosystem. In the case of Vizio, this means less privacy and more dependency on user accounts.
source: flatpanelshd.com, arstechnica.com
