This would be very disappointing! We will check on our X950G and X900F, and let you know.

Update: We tested our X950G and X900F, and are still able to remove the suggested content. Our TVs report that they are up to date, but it is possible that this is a gradual roll-out. Are you able to provide the full firmware number, and package number?

Hello Adam - A bunch of Android related websites/blogs started reporting the issue today. Google released a statement admitting the implementation of non-removable sponsored content on the home screen of Android TV products:

“Android TV is committed to optimizing and personalizing the entertainment experience at home. As we explore new opportunities to engage the user community, we’re running a pilot program to surface sponsored content on the Android TV home screen.” - https://www.xda-developers.com/android-tv-sponsored-posts-launcher/

Here are some other articles reporting the issue from within the past few days:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/04/google-pilot-program-puts-a-row-of-ads-on-the-android-tv-home-screen/ https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/04/04/google-is-experimenting-with-sponsored-channels-on-android-tv-home-screens-and-users-are-pissed/ https://9to5google.com/2019/04/03/android-tv-sponsored-homescreen-row/ https://www.androidheadlines.com/2019/04/android-tv-sponsored-row-explained.html https://www.theandroidsoul.com/android-tv-now-features-a-row-for-sponsored-content/

Your team is located in Canada, right? I’m in the US, so it might be possible that this change is only being implemented in select regions/countries - hence why Google is referring to it as a “pilot program”. Some of the non-removable sponsored content I’m seeing is specifically highlighting content providers that wouldn’t be relevant in Canada.

I don’t think offering my full firmware number/package number will be helpful (though I’ll offer it anyway: PKG6.5830.0205NAA), because this change was implemented through Google’s end via an Android TV update released from the Google Play Store. Like many other users out there I have auto-updates enable for Android TV apps, so the change was implemented without action on my part.

Here’s a video I’ve uploaded showing the the issue: https://imgur.com/mLQi947

Let me know if I can be of any help confirming the extent of this change/issue. As you said a week ago, this is a “very disappointing” development indeed =(

Thanks for the information, I saw some of those articles a few minutes after posting my response here. It may still be possible to remove it, we’re looking into it. Thanks for the PKG number, this confirms they posted it as an app update, and it isn’t part of the actual firmware. We are on the same firmware, and although we are located in Canada, all of our TVs only connect to the internet through a U.S. VPN, so it is likely that this is a random pilot project.

Once we have a better idea of what is going on, we will post an update to our reviews.

Thanks for the replies Adam.

Passing on one more link (for either your team or anyone else who comes across this page). Sony has released a support page document addressing this sponsored content situation: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00225587

Planning on trying Sony’s workaround later today to see if it address the situation.

Edit: Sony’s workaround from their support document did nothing to address this issue, but I was able to remove the “Sponsored” row by going into the App settings on my TV. Found “Android TV Core Services”, uninstalled all updates for the app, and disabled the app. Afterwards upon reloading into the Home Screen there was now a toggle present to disable the “Sponsored” content under the “Customize Channels” menu.

Once we have a better idea of what is going on, we will post an update to our reviews.

Thanks, this is exactly what I came here looking for.

Apr 05, 2019 02:01 PM By OP DWo

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Thanks for the replies Adam. Passing on one more link (for either your team or anyone else who comes across this page). Sony has released a support page document addressing this sponsored content situation: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00225587 Planning on trying Sony’s workaround later today to see if it address the situation. Edit: Sony’s workaround from their support document did nothing to address this issue, but I was able to remove the “Sponsored” row by going into the App settings on my TV. Found “Android TV Core Services”, uninstalled all updates for the app, and disabled the app. Afterwards upon reloading into the Home Screen there was now a toggle present to disable the “Sponsored” content under the “Customize Channels” menu.

Thanks for this. Our X900F and X950G are both displaying the ads now too. We tested a few things, including service menus, and found that this is indeed the only way to deactivate them. We will update the reviews shortly, and will update our Getting rid of ads page with your method.

Update: We’ve posted a guide to remove these ads, using @DWo’s method. The guide is available here. Updates to the affected reviews will be posted shortly.

I have the x700d and it has a row of sponsored content as well. Very sad.

Apr 09, 2019 12:53 PM By  Adam Babcock

Update: We’ve posted a guide to remove these ads, using @DWo’s method. The guide is available here. Updates to the affected reviews will be posted shortly.

Worked like a charm on my X950G.