Microsoft is phasing out support for its Copilot AI assistant across all smart TVs later this year. The decision affects television platforms that integrated the service following initial announcements from major hardware manufacturers. Reports from Windows Central, as covered by The Verge, indicate that Microsoft is pulling the plug on television-based Copilot functionality nearly two years after hardware partners first demonstrated the feature.
The Brief History of Copilot on Televisions
The integration of Microsoft’s Copilot into living room displays began with announcements from LG and Samsung at CES 2025. Both electronics giants pledged to bring access to the AI assistant to their newest smart TV lineups, framing the feature as a way to extend conversational AI to home entertainment systems. By incorporating Copilot directly into television operating systems, users were meant to interact with Microsoft’s virtual assistant on larger screens without needing secondary devices.
The decision to drop smart TV support reflects a shift in how tech companies distribute specialized AI features. While voice assistants have long struggled to establish a permanent, indispensable role on television hardware, dedicated AI companions like Copilot appear to be consolidating around desktop, web, and mobile environments where user interaction is more direct.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Key operational details regarding the shutdown remain unknown. The underlying reports did not specify an exact date when Copilot features will cease working on affected television models, nor did they clarify whether the functionality will be removed via a software update or simply rendered inactive on Microsoft’s servers. Additionally, neither LG nor Samsung has issued a formal public statement addressing how current owners of these smart TVs will be notified or whether alternative software capabilities will replace the outgoing assistant.
As Microsoft narrows the footprint of its AI tools, TV owners will soon lose direct access to Copilot on their living room screens. Further updates from hardware partners are expected as the final sunset date approaches.
Lead image: Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels
