Though I prefer Monero ($XMR) over Bitcoin, it's sad to see a non-KYC Bitcoin exchange go away. Luckily, LocalMonero isn't related to LocalBitcoins so that is still around.
I have a Sceptre TV that I bought a few years ago and couldn't be happier. Sceptre does have Smart TVs using Roku or Google TV, but there are many models such as what I bought that are modern (made within past 3-5 years) and non-smart. Quality isn't anything substantial but its sufficient and not horrible. Hate how bloated proprietary botnet is the norm out of the gate. Most people already have or will just buy their own media centers like game consoles or Fire Sticks anyway. Personally I have a SBC with LibreELEC (Just Enough OS for Kodi).
Sceptre is pretty much the only game in town at this point if you are looking for a regular non-SMART TV.
I hate how these companies have malevolently made it so you don't have any choice about installing what ammounts to sophisticated surveillance devices in your own home.
When I talk about HIPAA protected issues with my family, in my own home, I should not suddenly see ads directly targeting the related condition I was talking about, and yet I do.
Vendors provide "commercial" displays whose only differences are better warranties, more complete serial control and, you guessed it, no ads or SMART features. Some have a web accessible menu, and others you can buy a separate service remote for to program the panel exactly as you need it to function.
In general, there's no reason to network connect your TV, but if you do, and they won't they don't tell you this, you don't have to accept the TOS for the SMART features or data collection. The TV will still work.
You won't necessarily have the choice about not connecting to the internet.
Also, providers have implicitly forced you to agree to ToS to use the device by not returning it and bundling a take it or leave it agreement with the TV.
If you want to watch TV, this is your only option.
That's not even getting into the mesh networks, or the obvious expansion of those networks to their trucks.
Apple's "privacy" is really just data protection from other competing companies. It was just another marketing campaign to maintain their positive image.
Still on the fence on AI art. On one end, it helps people create images on the fly for their needs without much delay finding an artist. On other, it is a soulless creation. Artists won't die out but it will be forced into a certain niche.
I hate how Big Tech is so adamant about viewing and interacting through algorithms instead of allowing you to do basic sorting according to a certain order you choose.
