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Tell HN: You now need a Samsung account to use streaming services on a SamsungTV

3 points by latenightcoding ↗ HN
Slight click-bait title: Disney, Netflix and Prime come installed (for now) but if you want to install any other streaming service you need a Samsung account.

This might not be news for everyone and this is not true for older models, the roll-out of this "feature" has been mixed, but for most (all?) 2023 models this is true.

Posting this because it's something I wish I knew, it's going to be a hassle to return my new 85 inch tv!

6 comments

[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 27.2 ms ] thread
brucethemoose2
Is there any TV that doesnt require a sign in for apps?

Not that I think this is acceptable... and I've had a horrible experience with Samsung software in everything from laptops to fridges to tablets to an S9.

latenightcoding
None of the TVs I bought before 2020 required a sign in for apps.
brucethemoose2
Hmm well our TCL(Roku) and Sony (Android TV) ones do.
purpleblue
Why would you use the built-in apps? Samsung is notorious for how much tracking data they collect. I would rather just use an Apple TV or Roku and leave it at that.
rektide
The original Chromecast model is so good & pure. Your own device just sees a blank slate computer & can order it around & make it do whatever? Awesome.

You already have your own OS, in your pocket, & another one on the TV doesnt help at all. Keep it simple. The networked ubiquotous & pervasive computing ideas had such hope, & taking the role of interface away from many devices & promoting the core device you actually own & use & care about is so exceeding of an idea. (One before Chromecast, but it was a great & capable tabula rasa implementation there-of).

theshrike79
Friends don't let friends use the built-in TV apps.

Just grab any Apple TV or Google TV, plug it in and enjoy better quality and no ads on the UI.