Developer uses Claude Code to strip ads from Xiaomi TV, project supports 107 models

Developer Gathin used Anthropic's Claude Code to disable 25 Xiaomi packages on his parents' TV, replacing the default home screen with a simplified interface resembling an Apple TV. The open-source "cleanyourtv" project now documents tested setups for 107 TV models across 37 brands, using Android's debugging bridge to switch off pre-installed apps rather than delete them. This allows users to restore the original software if needed. The trend, dubbed "vibe coding," gained traction on X after Gathin shared his success, highlighting growing user frustration with pre-installed ads and Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) tracking. Texas filed lawsuits in December 2025 against major TV manufacturers Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL, alleging devices capture screenshots every 500 milliseconds to sell viewing data. Regulators have pursued similar cases since 2017, including Vizio's $2.2 million settlement. Despite these issues, companies like Walmart profit from the ad business, having acquired Vizio for $2.3 billion in 2024.