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You are buying a new TV and… you need to create an account in the store for it to work. Sounds absurd, but this is the direction Vizio is heading after being acquired by Walmart. New models may require a Walmart account for setup and to use smart TV features, which has caused quite a bit of controversy.
Walmart account required for smart features operation
According to the latest information, some new Vizio TVs will require a Walmart account right from the setup stage. Without this, the user may not have access to smart features, applications, or streaming services. This is another step following the previous requirement to have a Vizio account that was introduced earlier. However, now there is a new level of integration with an account directly linked to the retail giant, Walmart.
It's not just about user convenience. Behind the scenes is the advertising business, which has become crucial for Vizio. The operating system of the TVs collects data and displays ads, and after being acquired by Walmart, this is expected to be further developed. Account integration allows for the connection of viewed content with shopping, which opens up new possibilities for ad targeting. In practice, the TV can become part of a larger sales ecosystem.
Privacy and Controversies
Although the company claims that data is processed in accordance with privacy principles, many users may have doubts. The problem is that not only the owner of the television is potentially being tracked, but also the way they use the device. For some people, the necessity of creating another account this time in the store may be a breach of comfort.
The new requirements for Vizio televisions show how much the smart TV market is changing. The hardware is no longer just a viewing device, but is becoming part of an advertising system. If this trend continues, in the future a user account may be the standard, not an option.
Source: Ars Technica
