alt Hacker NewsSome instead assert TVs might connect to the first open network available, like if a neighbor briefly opened a hotspot, which sounds more believable.
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mminer237 • yesterday at 11:30 PM
Both theories would be easily testable. The danger is also much smaller if it's not on your Wi-Fi regardless.
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I haven't seen an open network around me or anywhere I go in years. Even places like gyms, coffee shops, and restaurants require passwords typically.
I think it's much more likely TVs make deals with cell phone companies and offer hardware that only works with their cellular service. Many pay more than $100 a month on their phone bill to pay off a phone. People might accept another $20 or so for a large screen TV with bundled apps-costs can be kept down for the carrier with ads and tracking that can't be bypasssed as it will use the carrier's network connection.