In a notable development within the realm of smart technology, a developer recently harnessed the capabilities of Claude Code to enhance the user experience on his parents’ Xiaomi TV. By disabling 25 pre-installed packages, he transformed the device’s interface, creating a home screen that rivals that of an Apple TV. This initiative is part of his open-source project, cleanyourtv, which now boasts compatibility with 107 TV models across 37 brands.
Innovative Solutions for Smart TVs
The tools employed in this endeavor utilize Android’s built-in debugging bridge, allowing users to deactivate apps rather than permanently delete them. This approach ensures that a simple restore script can revert any changes made, providing a safety net for users wary of potential mishaps. As smart TV manufacturers increasingly monetize their devices through advertising and data collection, this trend has garnered attention, particularly following legal challenges from Texas against major brands like Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL.
Many smart TV owners have taken to social media, particularly X, to share their experiences with what has been dubbed “vibe coding.” This term, coined by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy in 2025, refers to the process of using plain language to instruct AI agents to execute coding tasks. The phenomenon gained traction over the weekend, with users reporting significant improvements in their TV’s performance and interface.
Gathin T., the developer behind the Xiaomi TV transformation, shared his experience online, highlighting how the AI agent swiftly identified the TV on his home network and executed the necessary modifications. His post resonated with many, as it encapsulated the frustrations of countless smart TV users who are bombarded with ads and sluggish interfaces before even accessing their favorite streaming services.
Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology, prevalent in many TVs, has raised privacy concerns, as it collects viewing data without user consent. Legal actions against manufacturers have highlighted the extent to which these devices can monitor user behavior, with allegations that some TVs capture screenshots every 500 milliseconds. Despite these controversies, the market for smart TVs continues to thrive, with companies like Vizio demonstrating the profitability of ad-supported models.
The cleanyourtv project has gained traction, with thousands of users reportedly applying similar techniques to their own devices within days of its launch. The project is designed to operate without requiring root access, making it accessible to a broader audience. Users have reported freeing up memory and improving the overall functionality of their TVs, with some even replacing stock launchers for a more streamlined experience.
As the trend evolves, users are not only debloating their devices but also customizing them in creative ways. From live 3D models of their homes to minimalistic interfaces, the possibilities seem endless. While some have encountered challenges, including bricking their devices, the overall movement towards enhancing smart TV functionality reflects a growing desire for user control and privacy.
As more individuals engage in this innovative practice, the cleanyourtv repository continues to expand, with numerous contributions from the community. This collaborative spirit underscores a shift towards a more user-centric approach in the smart technology landscape, where consumers are taking charge of their devices and demanding a more tailored experience.
